Wisdom & Learning Chinese Idioms

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Master something completely

Emerging from Buddhist meditation texts of the Tang Dynasty, this idiom describes the moment when scattered knowledge merges (融会) and flows through (贯...

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Learning is limitless

This idiom comes from a longer phrase '学海无涯，苦作舟渡' - the sea (海) of learning (学) has no shores (无涯), but hard work is the boat that crosses it. First a...

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Practice what you know

Popularized by Neo-Confucian philosopher Wang Yangming in the Ming Dynasty, this idiom unites knowledge (知) and action (行) as one (合一). Wang challenge...

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Learn many from one example

This idiom stems from Confucius's teaching methodology, where he described the ideal student as one who could infer (反) three (三) things when taught o...

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Learn new through studying old

This idiom comes directly from Confucius's teaching that by reviewing (温) the old (故), one can understand (知) the new (新). The metaphor originally ref...

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Add crucial finishing touch

This vivid idiom comes from a story of the legendary painter Zhang Sengyou during the Southern and Northern Dynasties period. After painting (画) four ...

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Read extensively for knowledge

Originating from a longer saying by the Tang Dynasty scholar Du Fu: '读万卷书，行万里路' (Read ten thousand scrolls, walk ten thousand li). The specific number...

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Offer modest view to inspire better

This elegant metaphor emerged from Tang Dynasty literary circles, where throwing (抛) a modest brick (砖) to attract (引) precious jade (玉) described the...

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Follow local customs

Dating back to the Warring States period, this idiom advises those who enter (入) a village (乡) to follow (随) local customs (俗). Historical accounts te...

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Two goals with one action

A fascinating example of cross-cultural linguistic exchange, emerged during China's period of modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries ...

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Think thrice before acting

First recorded in the Analects of Confucius, where the Master responded to Zengzi's interpretation of reflection (思) three times (三) before action (行)...

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Makes no sense

Originating in Daoist texts describing inexplicable mysteries, this phrase captures the sensation of encountering something whose wonder (妙) cannot (莫...

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Foresee big from small signs

First appearing in the Book of Changes, this idiom describes the ability to see (见) subtle signs (微) to understand (知) significant developments (著). D...

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Gather wisdom from many

Emerging from the Eastern Han Dynasty's governmental practices, this idiom advocates gathering (集) thoughts (思) to broaden (广) benefits (益). It was in...

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Trace back to 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 sou...

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Valuable, lasting advice

Originating in early Chinese metallurgy, this idiom equates valuable advice to gold (金) and stone (石) - materials known for their durability and value...

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Open threats easier than hidden

In ancient Chinese warfare, a visible (明) spear (枪) was considered easy (易) to dodge (躲). This military wisdom emerged from the Spring and Autumn peri...

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Study despite hardship

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...

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Find value among worthless

This idiom emerged from gold panning techniques along ancient China's river systems, where sifting (披) through sand (沙) to pick out (拣) gold (金) requi...

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Make situation worse

This paradoxical image of carrying (抱) firewood (薪) to extinguish (救) a fire (火) emerged during the Warring States period as a metaphor for self-defea...

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Miss big picture

This idiom illustrates how a single (一) leaf (叶) can block (障) one's vision/eyes (目). Emerging from Buddhist texts warning against limited perspective...

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Follow clues to solution

Rooted in agricultural wisdom, this idiom describes following (顺) a vine (藤) to find (摸) its melons (瓜). It gained prominence in Song Dynasty detectiv...

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Read between lines

This psychological idiom combines watching words (察言) and observing expressions (观色), reflecting ancient Chinese diplomatic practices where court offi...

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Ruin by adding extras

The ancient parable tells of an artist who lost a wine-drinking contest because he spent extra time adding legs to his snake drawing (画蛇添足). The story...

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Create new from old

Originating in the Classic of Changes (I Ching), this phrase combines the actions of pushing away (推) the old or stale (陈) to bring forth (出) the new ...

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Perceive tiny details

Drawing from ancient Chinese optics and medicine, this phrase describes the ability to clearly (明) observe (察) autumn (秋) down - the finest hair on an...

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Stay humble and open

Derived from Daoist philosophy, this phrase advocates maintaining an empty (虚) heart/mind (怀) like (若) a valley (谷). The valley metaphor was particula...

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Cannot undo what's done

Originally from the Spring and Autumn period, this phrase describes how even four (驷) horses (马) cannot catch (难追) spoken words once uttered. The imag...

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Always someone better

This idiom is intimately paired with '人外有人', together expressing that beyond (外) the sky (天) there is another sky, and beyond every person's abilities...

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Small signs show big picture

The profound observation that from one (一) leaf (叶) one can know (知) autumn's (秋) arrival emerged from Song Dynasty naturalist writings, particularly ...

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Vast amount of knowledge

Originally describing the vast quantity of books that would make an ox sweat (汗牛) from carrying them and fill (充) entire buildings (栋), this Tang Dyna...

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Clear and calm mind

This metaphor likens a clear (明) mirror (镜) and still (止) water (水) to a state of perfect mental clarity. Rooted in Tang Dynasty Buddhist meditation t...

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Plan far ahead

Combining deep (深) planning (谋) with far-reaching (远) consideration (虑), this idiom emerged from Western Han political philosophy. It appeared in hist...

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Self-reflect daily

Drawing from Confucius's Analects, this practice of examining (省) oneself (吾身) three (三) times daily reflects core Confucian principles of constant se...

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Stop before too late

This vivid idiom describes pulling (勒) a horse's reins at the edge of a cliff (悬崖), drawing from actual incidents along the treacherous mountain paths...

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Get straight to point

This straightforward idiom reflects the architectural wisdom of traditional Chinese design, where opening (开) a door (门) to see (见) mountains (山) repr...

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All theory no practice

This critique emerged from the story of Zhao Kuo, a general who was well-versed in military texts but failed catastrophically in actual battle. His ex...

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Humbly seek guidance

This humble gesture of moving (移) one's wine jar (樽) to seek (就) teaching (教) comes from a Tang Dynasty story where the young Li Bai showed his respec...

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Repeated lie becomes truth

This idiom originates from the Wei state minister Pang Cong's warning to his king about how three (三) people's (人) repeated lies can make even an absu...

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Experience brings wisdom

Dating back to the Zhou Dynasty, this idiom comes from the story of Duke Mu of Qin who, lost in unfamiliar territory, relied on an old horse (老马) to f...

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Lower one's guard

A Warring States period warning about the dangers of dropping (掉) one's guard with a light (轻) heart (心). The idiom gained significance through milita...

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Learn from the worthy

Derived from Confucius's Analects, this phrase encourages people who see (见) the worthy (贤) to wish (思) to equal (齐) them. It embodied the Confucian i...

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Never too late to fix

This practical wisdom originates from an ancient shepherd who, after losing (亡) sheep (羊), finally repaired (补) his pen (牢). The story, recorded in 'G...

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Know something thoroughly

This idiom captures the intimate knowledge of counting (数) family (家) treasures (珍) with perfect familiarity. It originated from descriptions of merch...

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Contradict oneself

This idiom originates from a famous logical paradox in the Han Feizi, where a merchant claimed to have a spear (矛) that could pierce anything and a sh...

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Combine strengths to overcome weaknesses

This balanced approach advocates taking (取) strengths (长) to supplement (补) weaknesses (短), first appearing in Han Dynasty governance texts. The conce...

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Stop problems before they grow

This proactive idiom advocates preventing (防) minor problems (微) and blocking (杜) their gradual (渐) development, first appearing in Han Dynasty govern...

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Understand with absolute clarity

This idiom describes understanding something as clearly (洞) as (若) watching (观) fire (火), originating from the Warring States period. It first appeare...

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Penetrating deeply to the essence

This penetrating idiom describes how a whip strike (鞭辟) penetrates (入) to the innermost layer (里), originating from Tang Dynasty literary criticism. I...

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Embrace diverse ideas inclusively

This inclusive approach advocates gathering (收) comprehensively (兼) while storing (蓄) everything together (并), originating from Tang Dynasty intellect...

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Different methods, equally good results

This musical metaphor describes different (异) melodies (曲) achieving the same (同) artistic effect (工), first appearing in Tang Dynasty music criticism...

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Limited perspective on vast subject

This humble idiom compares limited understanding to viewing (窥) through a tube (管) and measuring (测) the ocean with a gourd ladle (蠡), originating fro...

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Ruin through impatient intervention

This agricultural idiom describes the counterproductive action of pulling up (拔) seedlings (苗) to help (助) their growth (长), originating from Mencius'...

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Accept without proper understanding

This digestive idiom describes swallowing (吞) jujube dates (枣) whole (囫囵) without proper chewing, originating from Song Dynasty educational texts. It ...

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Judge with limited perspective

This limiting idiom describes sitting (坐) in a well (井) while attempting to view (观) the sky (天), originating from philosophical debates during the Wa...

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Present to wrong audience

This satirical idiom describes playing (弹) the guqin zither (琴) to (对) a cow (牛), originating from the Warring States period. Historical records attri...

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Prioritize minor over fundamental matters

This organizational idiom criticizes reversing (倒置) the proper order of root/fundamental (本) and branch/peripheral matters (末), originating from Han D...

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Profoundly penetrating insight

This penetrating idiom describes writing that enters (入) wood (木) to a depth of three-tenths (三分) of an inch, originating from praise for Jin Dynasty ...

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Reassess someone who has improved

This perceptive idiom suggests scraping (刮) one's eyes (目) to view (看) someone differently (相), originating from a Three Kingdoms period interaction b...

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Ineffective indirect solution

This frustrating idiom describes scratching (搔) an itch (痒) through (隔) a boot (靴), originating from Song Dynasty vernacular literature. It first appe...

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Standards exceed abilities

This discrepant idiom contrasts high (高) eyes/standards (眼) with low (低) hands/abilities (手), originating from Ming Dynasty craft guilds. It described...

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Using outdated methods foolishly

This misguided idiom describes marking (刻) a boat (舟) to locate (求) a sword (剑) that has fallen into water, originating from the Spring and Autumn per...

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Valuing packaging over content

This misguided idiom describes buying (买) a decorative box (椟) but returning (还) the pearl (珠) inside, originating from the Warring States period text...

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Moderation in all things

This balanced idiom states that going too far (过) is just as (犹) problematic as not reaching far enough (不及), originating from Confucius's teachings i...

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Harmful interference ruins growth

This counterproductive idiom describes pulling up (揠) seedlings (苗) to help (助) their growth (长), originating from Mencius's writings during the Warri...

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Creating without practical feedback

This isolated idiom describes building (造) a cart (车) behind closed (闭) doors (门), originating from the Warring States period text 'Hanfeizi.' It tell...

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Self-deception through ignoring reality

This self-deceptive idiom describes covering (掩) one's ears (耳) while stealing (盗) a bell (铃), originating from the Warring States period text 'Lüshi ...

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Narrow-minded from limited experience

This limited idiom describes a frog (蛙) living at the bottom (底) of a well (井), originating from the Warring States period text 'Zhuangzi.' It tells o...

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Always have backup plans

This strategic idiom describes how a clever (狡) rabbit (兔) maintains three (三) burrows (窟), originating from the Warring States period text 'Strategie...

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Showing amateur skills to masters

This presumptuous idiom describes displaying (弄) axe skills (斧) before Lu Ban's door (班门), the legendary master craftsman, originating from a Tang Dyn...

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Failed imitation lacking understanding

This misguided idiom describes how Dongshi (东施), an ugly woman, imitated the frown (效颦) of Xishi, a legendary beauty, originating from Taoist text 'Zh...

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Learning unconsciously through constant exposure

This idiom emerged from Han Dynasty educational philosophy, describing how the ears (耳) are soaked (濡) and the eyes (目) are dyed (染) by constant expos...

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Linking tradition with innovation

First appearing in Song Dynasty scholarly texts, this idiom describes receiving (承) what came before (前) while initiating (启) what follows (后). It gai...

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Effortless skill through perfect practice

This idiom comes from Zhuangzi's famous 4th century BCE parable about Cook Ding (庖丁) skillfully butchering an ox (解牛). The story tells of him explaini...

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Mistaking partial knowledge for complete wisdom

This profound metaphor shows blind (盲) people (人) touching (摸) an elephant (象), coming from a Buddhist parable that entered China during the Eastern J...

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Sophisticated work appreciated by 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' biograph...

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Just so-so or passable quality

This moderate assessment idiom, literally 'horse (马) horse tiger (虎) tiger,' emerged from a folk tale about a careless artist whose painting was neith...

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Essentially the same despite appearances

This idiom originated from Ming Dynasty marketplace terminology, first appearing in vernacular literature describing equivalent items differently pack...

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Very high probability at about 80-90 percent

Song Dynasty scholars, debating the nature of probability, gave us this precise way of expressing likelihood - that out of ten cases (十), eight or nin...

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Absolutely certain without any doubt

Ming Dynasty legal terminology gave us this expression of absolute certainty, where not (无) the slightest (毫) question (疑问) remains. Legal documents u...

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Make accusations without solid evidence

Tang Dynasty Buddhist texts warn of the futility of trying to catch wind (捕风) and grasp shadows (捉影). Song Dynasty philosophers transformed this spiri...

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Beyond hope of redemption or reform

The great physician Zhang Zhongjing's 'Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders' introduced this concept of conditions that cannot (不可) be cured by medicine ...

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Beyond comprehension or explanation

Early Buddhist sutras translated during the Eastern Han Dynasty brought us this description of matters that cannot (不可) be comprehended through though...

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Evenly matched with neither superior

Han Dynasty military strategists developed this elegant phrase to describe forces without (不) mutual (相) superiority or inferiority (上下). Initially us...

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Beauty so stunning it affects natural world

Han Dynasty legends tell of beauty so extraordinary it caused fish to sink (沉鱼) and flying geese to descend (落雁). The phrase combines two legendary be...

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Show profound respect and patience seeking wisdom

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...

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Recruit talent from rival organization

The strategic brilliance of the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period gave us this phrase about utilizing Chu state's talent (楚材). Jin's syste...

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Unreliable information from casual hearsay

Han Dynasty scholars coined this phrase about information heard (听) on roads (道) and spoken (说) on paths (途) to distinguish between verified knowledge...

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Gains not worth the cost or sacrifice

Han Dynasty agricultural texts first warned of gains (得) that don't compensate (不偿) for losses (失) when discussing soil depletion from over-farming. T...

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Avoid situations that invite suspicion

The 'Book of Rites' first warned against adjusting shoes in melon fields (瓜田) or hats under plum trees (李下), as these innocent actions could be misint...

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Fundamentally or in the final analysis

Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian philosophers introduced this analytical method of returning to roots (归根) and reaching the bottom (到底). Ming Dynasty schola...

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Lose abilities through misguided imitation

Zhuangzi's philosophical writings tell of a youth who so admired the walking style of Handan (邯郸) residents that in trying to learn it (学步), he forgot...

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Sudden complete understanding after confusion

Buddhist meditation traditions gave us this description of sudden clarity (恍然) leading to great awakening (大悟). Unlike gradual enlightenment, this rep...

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Progress step by step

This idiom appears in 'The Analects of Confucius' and was elaborated upon by Zhu Xi, the great Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian scholar. It emphasizes follo...

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A refreshing new experience

This idiom appears in classical texts describing the sensation of encountering something refreshingly new. The ears (耳) and eyes (目) represent one's s...

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Actions contrary to one's goals

This idiom comes from 'Strategies of the Warring States' (战国策). A man wanted to travel to the southern state of Chu but drove his carriage north. When...

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Self-imposed restrictions; limiting oneself

This idiom originates from 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记), describing ancient punishment where criminals were confined to a circle drawn on the...

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Just right; perfectly appropriate

This idiom emphasizes doing something exactly (恰) as (如) its proper portion (其分) requires - neither more nor less. The concept of 'fen' (分) relates to...

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Exceptional literary or artistic talent

This idiom originates from the legend of the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, who allegedly dreamed that flowers bloomed from his writing brush, after which ...

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Having deep roots and long history

This idiom uses the metaphor of a river with distant (远) sources (源) and long (长) flow (流) to describe things with deep historical roots and lasting i...

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Skeptical; uncertain

This idiom precisely captures the state of partial belief (半信) mixed with partial doubt (半疑), describing uncertainty where one can neither fully accep...

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Lifelike; vividly realistic

This idiom uses the reduplicated 'xuxu' (栩栩), meaning vivid or lifelike, combined with 'as if alive' (如生) to describe art so realistic it appears livi...

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The whole story; causes and effects

This idiom originates from Chinese geomancy (feng shui), where 'dragon' (龙) refers to mountain ranges and 'veins' (脉) to their extensions. Geomancers ...

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Unable to understand despite much thought

This idiom describes thinking (思) a hundred times (百) yet still not (不) understanding (解), expressing puzzlement that persists despite extensive conte...

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Outsmart oneself; cleverness backfiring

This idiom describes how attempting (弄) to be clever (巧) results (成) in clumsiness (拙). It captures the irony of sophisticated plans that backfire, pr...

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Complement each other; mutually beneficial

This idiom describes things that mutually (相) support (辅) and mutually (相) complete (成) each other. The phrase reflects the Chinese philosophical unde...

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Explain profound ideas in simple terms

This idiom describes entering (入) deeply (深) into a subject but coming out (出) with shallow/accessible (浅) explanations. It praises the ability to und...

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Hit the nail on the head; incisive

This idiom originally described skilled acupuncturists who could draw blood (见血) with a single (一) needle (针) insertion, demonstrating perfect techniq...

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Showing originality; unconventional

This idiom describes producing (出) something different (别) from one's heart's (心) design or cutting (裁). The character 裁 originally referred to tailor...

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Just right; perfectly appropriate

This idiom describes arriving (到) exactly (恰) at the good (好) point (处). It embodies the Confucian and Daoist ideal of moderation and hitting the perf...

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Be practical and realistic; seek truth from facts

This idiom means seeking (求) truth (是) from actual facts (实事). It originated from the Han Dynasty 'Book of Han' describing the scholarly approach of E...

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Know everything; omniscient

This idiom describes a state where there is nothing (无所) that is not (不) known (知) - omniscience or encyclopedic knowledge. The phrase originally desc...

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Everyone has their own strengths

This idiom states that each person (各) has (有) their own (所) strengths (长). It acknowledges that different individuals excel in different areas, promo...

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Suddenly see the light; become clear

This idiom describes something suddenly (豁然) opening up (开) into brightness (朗). It comes from Tao Yuanming's famous 'Peach Blossom Spring,' where tra...

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Feel as if personally present

This idiom describes one's body (身) arriving at (临) that (其) situation or place (境). It emphasizes experiential presence rather than remote observatio...

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Waste talent on menial tasks

This idiom describes big (大) talent (材) being given small (小) use (用) - wasting capable people on trivial tasks. The phrase criticizes poor resource a...

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Clear at a glance; obvious

This idiom describes becoming completely clear (了然) with one (一) look (目). It praises clarity that enables instant comprehension without explanation. ...

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Content with superficial understanding

This idiom describes not (不) seeking (求) thorough (甚) understanding (解). It originated from Tao Yuanming's essay where he described his reading style ...

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Welcome criticism; embrace feedback

This idiom describes hearing (闻) faults (过) and then (则) rejoicing (喜). It comes from Mencius praising Yu the Great who welcomed criticism as opportun...

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Readily accept good advice

This idiom describes following (从) what is good (善) like (如) flowing water (流). It comes from Zuozhuan describing Duke Huan of Jin who accepted good a...

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Guide patiently and methodically

This idiom describes guiding (循循) skillfully (善) and leading (诱). It comes from the Analects where Yan Hui praised Confucius' teaching method of syste...

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Teach with tireless patience

This idiom describes teaching (诲) people (人) without (不) weariness (倦). It comes from the Analects where Confucius described his tireless dedication t...

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Adapt teaching to student abilities

This idiom describes teaching (施教) according to (因) ability (材). It embodies Confucius' educational philosophy of tailoring instruction to individual ...

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Education for all without discrimination

This idiom describes having (有) education (教) without (无) categories (类). It comes from the Analects expressing Confucius' principle that education sh...

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Teach by word and deed

This idiom describes teaching through words (言传) and personal example (身教). It recognizes that instruction involves both verbal teaching and modeling ...

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Have many successful students

This idiom describes peaches (桃) and plums (李) filling (满) the gate (门). Students are metaphorically called peach and plum trees because teachers cult...

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Be impatient for success; rush things

This idiom describes being anxious (急) about (于) seeking (求) success (成). It warns against impatience that undermines careful progress. The phrase cau...

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Haste makes waste; more haste less speed

This idiom describes desiring (欲) speed (速) but not (不) reaching (达) the goal. From the Analects where Confucius warned that haste impedes rather than...

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Retire after achieving success

This idiom describes merit (功) achieved (成) and the person (身) withdrawing (退). From the Dao De Jing advising that the wise withdraw after accomplishi...

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Retire at the peak; know when to quit

This idiom describes bravely (勇) retreating (退) from a rapid (急) current (流). It depicts the wisdom and courage needed to withdraw while circumstances...

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Quit while ahead; take profits

This idiom describes seeing (见) good conditions (好) and then (就) collecting/stopping (收). It advises knowing when to quit while ahead rather than push...

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Stop at the right point; practice moderation

This idiom describes when appropriate (适可) then (而) stopping (止). It advocates for moderation and knowing limits. The phrase warns against excess and ...

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Have a well-thought-out plan; be confident

This idiom describes complete (成) bamboo (竹) being (在) in the chest (胸). A variant of 胸有成竹 with the same meaning - having thorough mental preparation....

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Handle with ease; have skill to spare

This idiom describes a moving (游) blade (刃) having (有) room to spare (余). From Zhuangzi's story of Cook Ding who butchered oxen so skillfully his knif...

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Be experienced; find something easy due to familiarity

This idiom describes a light (轻) carriage (车) on a familiar (熟) road (路). It depicts easy travel without burden on a well-known path. The phrase captu...

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Be very familiar with; handle with expertise

This idiom describes driving (驾) a light (轻) vehicle and approaching (就) familiarity (熟). Similar to 轻车熟路, it depicts ease from experience. The phrase...

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Work with great ease; have complete mastery

This idiom describes the heart (心) obtaining (得) and the hand (手) responding (应). It depicts perfect coordination between intention and execution. The...

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Hidden talents or extraordinary people in an unassuming place

This idiom describes a crouching (卧) tiger (虎) and a hidden (藏) dragon (龙). It originates from the Northern Zhou poet Yu Xin's (庾信, 513–581) poem '同会河...

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Versatile and learned

The idiom 博学多才 (bó xué duō cái) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to praise individuals who possess extensive knowledge (博学, bó xué) an...

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Practical application

The idiom 学以致用 (xué yǐ zhì yòng) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to emphasize the importance of applying what one has learned to prac...

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Humble in learning

The idiom 不耻下问 (bù chǐ xià wèn) originates from the Analects of Confucius (论语, Lúnyǔ), specifically from the chapter 公冶长 (Gōng Yě Zhǎng). It tells the...

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Wise and learned

The idiom 博古通今 (bó gǔ tōng jīn) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe someone who possesses extensive knowledge spanning both ancient (古, ...

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Apply knowledge broadly

The idiom 触类旁通 (chù lèi páng tōng) finds its roots in the ancient Chinese text 《周易》 (Zhōu Yì), attributed to Zhou Wen Wang (周文王). The concept is deriv...

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Extremely learned

The idiom 学富五车 (xué fù wǔ chē) originates from the writings of the philosopher Zhuangzi (庄子) in the Warring States period. It refers to the story of H...

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Exceptionally talented

The idiom 才高八斗 (cái gāo bā dǒu) originates from a story involving the renowned poet Cao Zhi (曹植) from the Three Kingdoms period. Cao Zhi, known for hi...

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Wise and knowledgeable

The idiom 满腹经纶 (mǎn fù jīng lún) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a person who is exceptionally knowledgeable and wise. Th...

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Broadly knowledgeable

The idiom 见多识广 (jiàn duō shí guǎng) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe someone with extensive experience and broad knowledge. It combin...

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Perceptive and insightful

The idiom 耳聪目明 (ěr cōng mù míng) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe someone with acute senses and clear thinking. The phrase combines 耳...

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Thoughtful deliberation

The idiom 深思熟虑 (shēn sī shú lǜ) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to express the concept of thorough and careful consideration. Althoug...

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Self-taught mastery

Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 无师自通 (wú shī zì tōng) captures the remarkable ability to learn or master a skill independently, without ...

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Indifference to the familiar

The idiom 熟视无睹 (shú shì wú dǔ) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a situation where someone looks at something familiar with...

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Foresight and insight

The idiom 先知先觉 (xiān zhī xiān jué) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe individuals who possess foresight and awareness ahead ...

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Pursue understanding

The idiom 格物致知 (gé wù zhì zhī) originates from the classical Confucian text 《礼记·大学》 (Lǐ Jì · Dà Xué), attributed to the Western Han period. It describ...

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Embrace diversity

The idiom 求同存异 (qiú tóng cún yì) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature and does not have a specific origin story tied to a historical text....

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Thorough research

The idiom 旁征博引 (páng zhēng bó yǐn) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe the practice of extensively citing various sources to ...

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Knowledgeable and retentive

The idiom 博闻强记 (bó wén qiáng jì) originates from the classical text 《礼记·曲礼上》, compiled by Dai Sheng during the Western Han dynasty. It describes a per...

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Seek outside perspective

The idiom 当局者迷 (dāng jú zhě mí) originates from a story in the Tang Dynasty, documented in the historical text 《旧唐书》 (Old Book of Tang). It involves Y...

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Unbiased perspective

The idiom 旁观者清 (páng guān zhě qīng) originates from a historical context in the Tang Dynasty, as recorded in the 'Old Book of Tang' (旧唐书). The story i...

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Invaluable writing

This idiom, 一字千金 (yī zì qiān jīn), originates from the historical account in the Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》) by Sima Qian. It tells the stor...

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Eloquent and insightful

Commonly used in classical Chinese literature, the idiom 字字珠玑 (zì zì zhū jī) evokes the image of each word (字, zì) being as precious as a pearl (珠玑, z...

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Eloquent and persuasive

The idiom 口若悬河 (kǒu ruò xuán hé) originates from a story in the Southern Dynasties period, specifically from the work 《世说新语·赏誉》 by Liu Yiqing. It desc...

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Eloquent speech

The idiom 妙语连珠 (miào yǔ lián zhū) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe eloquence and wit. The phrase paints a vivid image of words (语, yǔ...

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Prepare in advance

The idiom 防患未然 (fáng huàn wèi rán) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to emphasize the importance of taking preventive measures before p...

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Foresight and vision

The idiom 高瞻远瞩 (gāo zhān yuǎn zhǔ) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe someone with great foresight and vision. The phrase is...

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Attention to detail

The idiom 精雕细刻 (jīng diāo xì kè) is commonly used in classical Chinese to describe meticulous and detailed craftsmanship. Originally, it referred to t...

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Reading brings wisdom

The idiom 开卷有益 (kāi juàn yǒu yì) originates from the Northern Song Dynasty, associated with Emperor Taizong (宋太宗). He was known for his love of readin...

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Win-win outcome

The idiom 两全其美 (liǎng quán qí měi) originates from a story in the Yuan Dynasty, found in the play 《连环计》. It tells of Wang Yun, a court official, who d...

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Thorough attention

The idiom 面面俱到 (miàn miàn jù dào) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe a situation where every aspect is thoroughly considered...

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Diligent study

The idiom 十年寒窗 (shí nián hán chuāng) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe the arduous and persistent effort required for schol...

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Diligent in learning

The idiom 手不释卷 (shǒu bù shì juàn) originates from the Three Kingdoms period, specifically from the writings of Cao Pi (曹丕) in 《典论·自叙》. It describes th...

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Logical and organized

Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 头头是道 (tóu tóu shì dào) originally stems from Buddhist teachings, where it suggested that the 'Way' or 'P...

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Foresight or intuition

This idiom, 未卜先知 (wèi bǔ xiān zhī), is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe someone with the ability to foresee events without th...

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Visionary foresight

The idiom 先见之明 (xiān jiàn zhī míng) finds its roots in the historical narrative of the Eastern Han Dynasty, as recorded in the 'Hou Han Shu' (后汉书). It...

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Preconceived notions

The idiom 先入为主 (xiān rù wéi zhǔ) originates from a story in the Han dynasty, as recorded in the 'Book of Han' (《汉书》). During the reign of Emperor Ai, ...

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Completely ignorant

The idiom 一窍不通 (yī qiào bù tōng) originates from a story in the Warring States period, recorded in the text 《吕氏春秋》 (Lǚshì Chūnqiū). It tells of King Z...

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Tailor to circumstances

The idiom 因地制宜 (yīn dì zhì yí) originates from the historical context of the Spring and Autumn period, as recorded in the text 《吴越春秋》 by Zhao Ye. It t...

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Ponder thoroughly

The idiom 左思右想 (zuǒ sī yòu xiǎng) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe the act of pondering deeply and considering all aspects...

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Embrace diversity

The idiom 不拘一格 (bù jū yī gé) originates from a poem by Gong Zizhen, a prominent thinker and poet of the Qing Dynasty. In his poem 《己亥杂诗》, Gong Zizhen ...

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Humble self-assessment

The idiom 才疏学浅 (cái shū xué qiǎn) originates from the Eastern Han Dynasty, specifically from the historical text 《汉书》 (Hànshū) written by Ban Gu. It a...

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Eloquent speech

The idiom 出口成章 (chū kǒu chéng zhāng) originates from the ancient Chinese text 《诗经·小雅·都人士》. In this poem, the phrase 出言成章 describes the elegant and art...

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Transformative wisdom

The idiom 点石成金 (diǎn shí chéng jīn) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe the transformative power of wisdom or skill. The phra...

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Out of context

The idiom 断章取义 (duàn zhāng qǔ yì) originates from the historical text 《左传》 (Zuo Zhuan), specifically from a story involving the character 卢蒲癸 (Lu Pugu...

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Targeted solutions

This insightful idiom originates from the story of the renowned physician Hua Tuo (华佗) during the late Eastern Han dynasty. In a time of widespread il...

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Supernatural craftsmanship

The idiom 鬼斧神工 (guǐ fǔ shén gōng) originates from the classical Chinese text 《庄子·达生》, attributed to the philosopher Zhuangzi during the Warring States...

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Youthful potential

The idiom 后生可畏 (hòu shēng kě wèi) originates from the Analects of Confucius (《论语》), specifically from the chapter 'Zi Han' (子罕). Confucius observed th...

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Artistic depth

The idiom 画中有诗 (huà zhōng yǒu shī) originates from the Song Dynasty, specifically from the writings of the renowned scholar Su Shi (苏轼). He used this ...

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