10 Chinese Idioms About Self-Improvement & Growth

Foresee big from small signs

Literal meaning: See small know large

First appearing in the Book of Changes, this idiom describes the ability to see (见) subtle signs (微) to understand (知) significant developments (著). During the Warring States period, strategist Sun Bin emphasized this principle in military observation. The concept gained broader application during t...

Trace back to source

Literal meaning: Chase root trace source

Emerging from Song Dynasty (960-1279) scholarly methodology, this idiom combines the actions of chasing (追) to the root (本) and tracing (溯) to the source (源). It reflected the Neo-Confucian emphasis on understanding phenomena by examining their origins, influenced by Han Dynasty historiographical tr...

Have great vision

Literal meaning: Hills and valleys in heart

First appearing in Tang Dynasty literary criticism, this phrase describes having hills (丘) and valleys (壑) within one's heart/mind (胸). It originated from descriptions of landscape painters who could visualize entire scenes before touching brush to paper. The metaphor suggests a rich internal landsc...

Study extremely hard

Literal meaning: Hang beam stab thigh

This idiom pairs two classical studying techniques: tying (悬) hair to a beam (梁) to prevent dozing off and stabbing (刺) one's thigh (股) with an awl to stay alert. These practices were attributed to Su Qin and Sun Jing, two scholars from the Warring States period who initially failed their examinatio...

Almost catch up

Literal meaning: See only their neck back

This vivid phrase describes only being able to see someone's neck (项) and back (背) while looking up (望) at them, originally appearing in Confucian texts about students striving to match accomplished masters. The physical imagery of looking up at someone so far ahead that you can only see their back ...

Vast and mighty

Literal meaning: Vast mighty flow

This rhythmic description of vast (浩浩) flowing (荡荡) movement originated from classical descriptions of the Yellow River's mighty course. During the Tang Dynasty, it evolved to describe impressive military processions and large-scale social movements. The doubled characters create a sense of continuo...

Advance methodically with caution

Literal meaning: Each step make camp

This strategic approach emerged from Han Dynasty military manuals, describing armies that established (为) a secure camp (营) with each step (步步) of their advance. The tactic gained fame during the Three Kingdoms period when general Cao Cao used it to campaign through difficult terrain. Unlike rapid d...

Amplifying existing trends or momentum

Literal meaning: Push waves, aid ripples

This amplifying idiom describes pushing (推) waves (波) and helping (助) ripples (澜), originating from Southern Dynasty poetry. It initially described how winds intensify natural water movements, creating a powerful metaphor for augmenting existing momentum. During the Tang Dynasty, political commentat...

Sophisticated work appreciated by few

Literal meaning: Tune high harmony few

This cultural idiom observes that when a tune is too sophisticated (曲高), few can harmonize (和寡) with it. It originates from the 'Book of Han' biography of music master Li Yannian, whose complex compositions impressed Emperor Wu but remained inaccessible to ordinary listeners. During the Tang Dynasty...

To sum up everything discussed

Literal meaning: Altogether and speaking it

This formal idiom combines totality (总) with expression (言之) through a linking particle (而), emerging directly from Han Dynasty scholarly writing rather than narrative origins. During the Song Dynasty, it became standard in academic conclusions as Neo-Confucian scholars systematized knowledge presen...