8 Chinese Idioms About Winter & Cold

Study despite hardship

Literal meaning: Firefly in bag snow reflection

This poetic idiom combines two classical stories of determined scholars: one who studied by the light of captured fireflies in a bag (囊萤), another who read by snow's reflection (映雪). Dating to the Jin Dynasty, these tales exemplified extraordinary dedication to learning despite poverty. The firefly ...

Complete collapse

Literal meaning: Ice melts tile breaks

The vivid image of ice (冰) melting (消) and tiles (瓦) breaking apart (解) originated in military texts describing the sudden collapse of seemingly solid formations. First appearing in Three Kingdoms period chronicles, it described how strong alliances could suddenly dissolve when facing internal press...

Help in time of need

Literal meaning: Send coal in snow

Sending (送) coal (炭) in snow (雪) weather captured the essence of timely assistance during critical moments. This Song Dynasty idiom arose from stories of wealthy merchants who distributed fuel to poor families during harsh winters, when coal prices typically soared beyond reach. The image of dark co...

Fates linked together

Literal meaning: Lips gone teeth cold

This vivid metaphor emerged from the Warring States period, when advisor Li Ke warned the state of Wei about abandoning its ally. He explained that when lips (唇) perish (亡), teeth (齿) grow cold (寒), illustrating their mutual dependence. The metaphor resonated deeply in Chinese diplomatic thought, ap...

Extreme caution in risky situations

Literal meaning: Like walking on thin ice

This cautious idiom describes moving as if (如) walking (履) on thin (薄) ice (冰), originating from the Book of Changes during the Zhou Dynasty. It appeared in discussions about how noble individuals should conduct themselves with constant awareness of potential danger despite appearing safe. The winte...

Impeccable moral character and integrity

Literal meaning: Ice clear jade pure

This purity idiom pairs the clarity of ice (冰清) with the unsullied nature of jade (玉洁), originating from Han Dynasty descriptions of exemplary officials. It first gained prominence through the 'Book of Later Han,' where these natural elements served as metaphors for incorruptible character. During t...

Show profound respect and patience seeking wisdom

Literal meaning: Cheng door stand snow

A Song Dynasty tale of devotion immortalized student Yang Shi, who stood in snow (立雪) outside philosopher Cheng Yi's door (程门), awaiting his teacher's wisdom. Yuan Dynasty scholars adopted it as the model for ideal student-teacher relationships. The image of a scholar enduring physical discomfort in...

Add insult to injury; make things worse

Literal meaning: Add frost on top of snow

This idiom describes adding (加) frost (霜) on top of (上) snow (雪). Both snow and frost are cold, so adding frost to snow intensifies an already difficult situation. The phrase vividly captures the compounding of misfortunes. It appeared in Song Dynasty poetry describing accumulated hardships. Modern ...