Sayings · LT901

Idioms

Classical four-character idiomatic expressions derived from historical masterworks.

1231works

13dynasties

230authors

Song

16 works

960–1279

  1. Promote What Benefits, Abolish What HarmsWang AnshiTo revive the government of the former kings in order to promote what benefits and abolish what harms is not stirring up trouble.
  2. Educating the People to Form Good CustomsZhu XiYet for the state's aim of transforming the people and perfecting their customs, and for the scholar's way of cultivating himself and governing others, it may not be without some small help.
  3. Deluding the World and Deceiving the PeopleZhu XiThose that delude the world, deceive the people and block humaneness and righteousness sprang up in confusion among them.
  4. No Going Forth Without a ReturnZhu XiHeaven's course turns in cycles; there is no going forth without a return.
  5. Pared Away Day by Day, Month by MonthSu XunCoerced by Qin's accumulated might, they were pared away day by day and month by month, and so hastened to their ruin.
  6. Ten Thousand Cash a Day Spent on FoodSima GuangHe Zeng spent ten thousand cash a day on food, and by his grandsons' time the family was ruined by arrogance and excess.
  7. As Easy as Turning Over One's PalmXue Juzheng (comp.)This matter is as easy as turning over one's hand; success or failure lies in the hands of the Pacification Commissioner, Lord Yang.
  8. Darkened, Blinded and BlockedZhu XiDarkened, blinded and blocked, its ills turning ever more chronic, until with the decline of the Five Dynasties ruin and disorder reached their extreme!
  9. Walking the Straight Path: Sima Guang on Thrift and IntegritySima GuangA gentleman with few desires is not enslaved by things and can walk the straight path.
  10. The Antelope Hangs by Its Horns: Poetry Without a TraceYan YuLike an antelope hanging by its horns, they leave no trace to be found.
  11. Golden Wind and Jade Dew of the Double SeventhQin GuanOne meeting in the golden wind and jade dew outweighs countless meetings in the human world.
  12. Brocade Robes and Jade-Fine FoodSima GuangGoing from thrift to luxury is easy; going from luxury to thrift is hard.
  13. Clearing Away the Old to Lay Out the NewWang AnshiA comet is the means by which the old is swept away and the new laid out.
  14. Plum Blossoms Sent by Post RiderQin GuanPlum blossoms sent by post rider, silk letters carried by fish, pile up into sorrow beyond counting.
  15. A Silk Letter Carried in a FishQin GuanPlum blossoms sent by post rider, silk letters carried by fish, pile up into sorrow beyond counting.
  16. Words End, Meaning Goes On: Yan Yu on Tang PoetryYan YuLike a sound in the air, the colour of an appearance, the moon in water, an image in a mirror: the words come to an end, but the meaning has no end.

Yuan

48 works

1260–1368

  1. Calm and Self-PossessedToqto'a et al.Calm and composed, even in an emergency.
  2. Staking Everything on One ThrowToqto'a et al. (comp.)Betting everything on a single throw; a desperate all-or-nothing gamble.
  3. The Fox Mourns the Dead HareToqto'a et al. (comp.)The fox grieves over the dead hare; sorrow for the misfortune of one's own kind.
  4. Leaving Well and Home BehindMa ZhiyuanSuppose our founding emperor had sent your own maid off to leave her well and home behind, to lie in snow and sleep in frost.
  5. So Joyful as to Forget All CaresWang ShifuJoyful like this, forgetting all my cares, why should I hurry home?
  6. Going to the Parley with a Single BladeGuan HanqingLu Su invited Guan Yu to meet; each side halted its troops a hundred paces off, and only the commanders came together, each with a single blade.
  7. Guarded by Mountains Within and River WithoutZhang YanghaoThe peaks crowd together, the waves rage, and between mountain and river runs the road through Tongguan.
  8. Fearing the Hard, Bullying the SoftGuan HanqingHeaven and Earth! You too fear the hard and bully the soft; so you also just push the boat along with the current!
  9. Beauty That Downs Geese and Sinks FishWang ShifuHere I turn my head and suddenly glimpse a beauty; truly she could make geese fall and fish sink.
  10. The Four Vices of Wine, Lust, Wealth and TemperMa ZhiyuanBy the time he wakes, eighteen years will have passed, and he will have seen wine, lust, wealth and temper, self and others, right and wrong.
  11. Patching the Leak in Midstream Is Too LateGuan HanqingBy then it will be patching the leak in midstream; whom could you blame for your troubles? Think things through first and spare yourself regret.
  12. Ten Li of Land and Five Hundred MenToqto'a (comp.)He had one cheng of land and one lü of followers; he was able to spread his virtue and lay his plans, gather the people of Xia and restore their offices.
  13. Of One Mind Without ConferringToqto'a (comp.)When Lü Yihao was at Kuaiji he proposed this plan; Han Shizhong has reached the same idea without conferring.
  14. Reaching the Same Plan Without Prior ConsultationToqto'a (comp.)When Lü Yihao was at Kuaiji he proposed this plan; Han Shizhong has reached the same idea without conferring.
  15. Like a Stray Dog Without a HomeToqto'a (comp.)There is a man at the east gate whose forehead is like Yao's, whose neck is like Gao Yao's and whose shoulders are like Zichan's, but who is three inches short of Yu below the waist; weary and forlorn, he looks like a dog without a home.
  16. Giving One's Life for the NationToqto'a (comp.)Judging that there was no escape, Lu Xiufu drove his wife and children into the sea at sword point, then took the king on his back and died in the sea. He was forty-four.
  17. Entrusting Office to the Worthy and AbleToqto'a (comp.)I hope Your Majesty will decide by public principle, close the frontier and break off the treaty, entrust office to the worthy and able, establish order and discipline, and stir up good customs.
  18. Winning by the Unexpected StrokeToqto'a (comp.)And it is from here, too, that we may win by the unexpected stroke and strike at the enemy's flanks.
  19. A Rich State and a Strong Army: Zhu Xi's Plan Against JinToqto'a (comp.)After a few years, when the state is rich and the army strong, we will weigh our strength against their weaknesses and calmly rise to act.
  20. Ruling from Behind the Curtain: Empress Dowager Liu of SongToqto'a (comp.)The Empress Dowager sat with the emperor in the Chengming Hall and decided affairs from behind a curtain.
  21. A Treaty Signed Beneath the Walls: The Chanyuan SlanderToqto'a (comp.)A treaty under the walls is a shame recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals; what happened at Chanyuan was such a treaty.
  22. Not Made by Heaven: Meng Gong Drains the Pool at CaizhouToqto'a (comp.)Chaitan was not made by Heaven and set by Earth; all they rely on is this water. Breach it and drain it, and it will dry up at once.
  23. Content in Poverty, Faithful to the Way: Zhu Xi Declines OfficeToqto'a (comp.)Zhu Xi is content in poverty and faithful to the Way; his integrity and modesty are admirable.
  24. Serve the Nation with Utmost Loyalty: The Words on Yue Fei's BackToqto'a (comp.)Yue Fei tore his robe and showed his back, which bore four large characters, 'serve the nation with utmost loyalty', cut deep into the skin.
  25. A Just Cause Makes an Army Strong: Shen Kuo at the Liao CourtToqto'a (comp.)An army in the right is strong; in the wrong, it is spent.
  26. Till the River Is a Sash and the Mountain a WhetstoneToqto'a (comp.)The Han favoured its meritorious officials and proclaimed the oath of the river as a sash; the Zhou honoured its elder statesmen and granted them states by the sea.
  27. Checking Titles Against Real PerformanceToqto'a (comp.)Technique means appointing to office according to ability, and holding the name to account against the reality.
  28. Fretting Over Gain and LossXu HengBefore he gets it, he worries about getting it; once he has it, he worries about losing it.
  29. Never Letting a Book Leave His HandsToqto'a (comp.)From then on he never let a book leave his hands, until he no longer noticed hunger, thirst, cold or heat.
  30. Placing One's True Heart in Another's BreastToqto'a (comp.)The King of Xiao has placed his true heart in our breasts; how could we not die for him!
  31. Braving Execution by the AxeToqto'a (comp.)I, Qin Hui, heedless of execution by the axe, set out the interests of both courts, and ask that the heir be restored to the throne to bring peace to the four quarters.
  32. In the Full Prime of One's YearsToqto'a (comp.)This must be some petty man telling Your Majesty that you are in the full prime of your years, so why hasten into an ill-omened matter.
  33. Pressing On Day and NightToqto'a (comp.)And so he pressed on day and night, reached the tombs with the two envoys, presented the imperial memorial, completed the rites and returned.
  34. The Common People in Mud and Ashes: Zhang Kejiu Looks BackZhang KejiuHeartbreak of Qin and Han: the common people in mud and ashes; a scholar can only sigh long.
  35. Afraid at the Head, Afraid at the Tail: Xu Heng on Using TalentXu HengYet one fears at the head and fears at the tail, worries over gain and loss, and watches the harm without promoting or dismissing them.
  36. August Heaven and Sovereign Earth Bear Witness: Yue Fei's VowToqto'a (comp.)August Heaven and Sovereign Earth can bear witness to my heart.
  37. To Reform the Age and Change Its Customs: Wang Anshi's AmbitionToqto'a (comp.)He was fired with the ambition to reform the age and change its customs.
  38. Serving the Country with Utmost Loyalty: The Words on Yue Fei's BackToqto'a (comp.)Yue Fei tore his robe and showed He Zhu his back, on which four large characters, serve the country with utmost loyalty, were cut deep into the skin.
  39. One Last Battle Beneath the Walls: Zhang Shijie at Lin'anToqto'a (comp.)Shijie asked that the three palaces be moved out to sea, and that he and Tianxiang join forces to fight one last battle beneath the walls.
  40. Gathering the Embers for a Last Stand: the Envoy of QiToqto'a (comp.)Let us gather our remaining embers and make a last stand beneath our walls.
  41. Unchanged Even unto Death: General Zhang Jingda at Jin'anToqto'a (comp.)Every subject ought to be like this!
  42. Orioles Sing and Swallows Dance in SpringBai PuCrying orioles, dancing swallows; a little bridge, flowing water, flying red petals.
  43. Watering the Warhorses in the YangziZhang HongfanSharpening our swords, we cracked the whetstones; watering our horses in the Yangzi, we drained the river dry.
  44. Entering One After Another Like a String of FishToqto'a (comp.)The Jin fought for the tower, and all the troops climbed up one after another like a string of fish.
  45. The Goose Lake Debate Between Zhu Xi and Lu JiuyuanToqto'a (comp.)Earlier, Jiuyuan had met Zhu Xi at Goose Lake, and in debating what they had learned they largely disagreed.
  46. Draped in the Yellow Robe at ChenqiaoToqto'a (comp.)Before he could answer, someone put a yellow garment on Taizu; all bowed around him crying 'Long live the emperor'.
  47. Taking the Whole Realm as One's Own ChargeToqto'a (comp.)Zhongyan took the realm as his own charge; he cut back undeserved appointments, examined officials, and planned day and night to bring about great peace.
  48. Perhaps There Was: The Baseless Charge Against Yue FeiToqto'a (comp.)Although the letter from Fei's son Yun to Zhang Xian is unclear, the matter perhaps there was.

Ming

36 works

1368–1644

  1. Unity of Knowledge and ActionWang YangmingWang Yangming's teaching that knowing and doing are inseparable; true knowledge shows itself in action.
  2. Wielding Broad AxesShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Acting boldly and decisively, sweeping aside obstacles with great resolve.
  3. Tearing Down the Bridge After CrossingSong Lian et al. (comp.)Abandoning those who helped you once you have got what you wanted.
  4. A Thousand Pieces All AlikeWang ShizhenMany works or things following one pattern; monotonous and lacking variety.
  5. A Sudden Surge of the HeartXu Zhonglin (traditionally attributed)A sudden impulse or whim that springs to mind.
  6. Hanging Lanterns and FestoonsShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Lanterns hung and silk festoons tied; describes the lively, joyful decorations of a festival or celebration.
  7. Neither Servile nor ArrogantZhu ZhiyuNeither humble nor haughty; poised and appropriately dignified in manner.
  8. Clinging to the Last BreathMa ZhongxiBarely hanging on to life; struggling to survive a little longer.
  9. Holding the Emperor to Command the LordsLuo GuanzhongCao Cao now commands a host of a million and holds the Son of Heaven in his grip to give orders to the lords; truly, he cannot be challenged head-on.
  10. Land of AbundanceLuo GuanzhongYi Province is guarded by strong passes and has a thousand li of fertile plain; it is a land of natural abundance, and on it the founding emperor of Han built his imperial cause.
  11. Weeds Suddenly Cleared from the MindLuo GuanzhongXuande, hearing this, rose from his mat, clasped his hands and thanked him: "Your words have suddenly cleared the weeds from my mind; it is as if clouds and mist were swept away and I could see the blue sky;
  12. Thirsting for TalentLuo GuanzhongGeneral, you are a descendant of the imperial house, famed for good faith throughout the land; you gather heroes about you and long for worthy men as the thirsty long for water. If you hold both Jing and Yi, guard their natural defenses, make peace with the Rong in the west, pacify the Yi and Yue in the south, ally with Sun Quan abroad and set your government in order at home;
  13. Brilliant Purples and Lovely RedsTang Xianzu[To the tune Zaoluopao] So everywhere brilliant purples and lovely reds are in bloom, and all of it given over to broken wells and crumbling walls.
  14. Fiery Eyes and Golden PupilsWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)Only the wind stirred up smoke that smoked his pair of eyes red, leaving him with a chronic eye ailment; hence he was called 'Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils.'
  15. Like Thunder in the EarsLuo GuanzhongA distant scion of the Han house and a simple man of Zhuo, I have long heard your great name; it rings in my ears like thunder.
  16. A Shake and a TransformationWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)Seeing the thunder generals' swords, spears, halberds, whips, maces, hammers, axes and other weapons pressing in hard, he shook himself and transformed: he became three heads and six arms;
  17. Beaming with SmilesLuo GuanzhongIndeed he saw Kongming sitting in the tower above the city, his face full of smiles, burning incense and playing the zither.
  18. Three Heads and Six ArmsWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)Seeing the thunder generals pressing hard with swords, spears, halberds, whips, maces, axes, golden melons and crescent spades, he shook himself and changed: he became three heads and six arms;
  19. Divine Plans and Marvelous CalculationsLuo GuanzhongZhou Yu was astonished and sighed with feeling: "Kongming's plans are divine and his calculations marvelous; I am not his equal!
  20. A Fine Hour and a Lovely SceneTang XianzuA fine hour, a lovely scene, under a helpless sky; whose courtyard holds the joy of a happy heart!
  21. Tugging Ears and Scratching CheeksWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)The timid ones each craned their necks and shrank back, tugging their ears and scratching their cheeks, shouting loudly; after hanging back a while, they too all went in.
  22. Baskets of Rice and Pots of DrinkLuo GuanzhongWhen you yourself lead the forces of Yi Province out toward the Qin river valley, will any of the common people fail to bring baskets of rice and pots of drink to welcome you?
  23. Mind Like a Monkey, Will Like a HorseWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)When scheming ends, the mind-monkey lies down; when the spirit is at ease, the will-horse walks calmly.
  24. Upholding Justice on Heaven's Behalf at LiangshanShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)The leaders on your mountain are all good men who carry out the Way on Heaven's behalf.
  25. Zhuge Liang Outargues the Scholars of WuLuo GuanzhongZhuge Liang debates the scholars with his tongue; Lu Zijing overrides the majority.
  26. Zhuge Liang Borrows Arrows with Straw BoatsLuo GuanzhongWith a clever plan Kongming borrows arrows; offering a secret scheme, Huang Gai is flogged.
  27. Lin Chong Is Driven to Mount LiangshanShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Zhu Gui shoots a signal arrow from the water pavilion; Lin Chong goes up Liangshan on a snowy night.
  28. Everything Ready but the East Wind at Red CliffsLuo GuanzhongTo defeat Lord Cao, use fire; all is ready, only the east wind is lacking.
  29. Long Divided, the Realm Must Unite; Long United, It Must DivideLuo GuanzhongNow, the general trend of the realm is this: what is long divided must unite, and what is long united must divide.
  30. A Hundred and Eight Thousand Li ApartWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)A monk asked: "What was the meaning of the coming from the west?" The master said: "A hundred and eight thousand li."
  31. Having Eyes Yet Failing to Recognize Mount TaiShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Master, with such great skill you must be an instructor. My boy had eyes but did not recognize Mount Tai.
  32. Zhuge Liang's Empty City StratagemLuo GuanzhongKongming put on his crane-feather cloak and silk kerchief, took two boy attendants carrying a zither, sat by the railing before the tower on the wall, burned incense and played.
  33. The Spell of the Tightening HeadbandWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)I have a spell as well, called the True Words for Settling the Mind, also known as the Spell of the Tightening Band.
  34. Quicker Than Words Can Tell ItShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Quicker than words can tell it, Wu Song saw the tiger spring, and with a single dodge he was behind it.
  35. Guan Yu Crosses Five Passes and Slays Six GeneralsLuo GuanzhongEven now, ten thousand generations on, who does not speak of the great hero who crossed five passes and slew six generals, turning heaven and earth upside down?
  36. Nothing in His Sleeves but a Clear BreezeYu QianWith only the clear breeze in my two sleeves I go to court, so the villagers will have nothing to gossip about.