Sayings · LT901

Idioms

Classical four-character idiomatic expressions derived from historical masterworks.

1231works

13dynasties

230authors

Han

96 works

202 BCE – 220 CE

  1. Bare-Chested and Bound in SurrenderSima QianWhen King Wu of Zhou conquered Yin, Weizi came to the army gate with his sacrificial vessels, bared to the waist and bound, and advanced on his knees to make his plea.
  2. Han Xin's Humiliation Between a Butcher Boy's LegsSima QianIf you can face death, stab me; if not, crawl out between my legs.
  3. An Affliction at the Belly and Heart of the StateSima QianYue is a disease at your belly and heart, yet instead of dealing with it first you busy yourself with Qi; is that not a mistake?
  4. The Money-Making Strategies of JiranSima QianJiran's strategies were seven; Yue used five of them and achieved its aims.
  5. Ivory Chopsticks Lead to Jade CupsSima QianHaving made ivory chopsticks, he will surely make jade cups; having cups, he will surely long for rare things from far away.
  6. Noble Beyond Words: Liu Bang's Face ReadSima QianYour wife and children just now all resemble you; your face is noble beyond words.
  7. Zou Yan's Red Prefecture of the Divine LandSima QianChina is called the Red Prefecture of the Divine Land; within it are nine provinces of its own.
  8. Nothing Picked Up from the Roads of Shang Yang's QinSima QianAfter ten years the people of Qin were content; no one picked up what was dropped on the road, there were no bandits in the hills, and every household had enough.
  9. King Zhou's Pool of Wine and Forest of MeatSima QianHe made a pool of wine and hung meat like a forest, had naked men and women chase one another among them, and drank through the long night.
  10. King Zhou's All-Night Drinking FeastsSima QianHe made a pool of wine and hung meat like a forest, had naked men and women chase one another among them, and drank through the long night.
  11. Poised and Refined Like Sima Xiangru at LinqiongSima QianWhen Xiangru came to Linqiong with his carriage and riders, he was composed, refined and very handsome.
  12. The Hegemon-King's Farewell to Lady YuXiang YuMy strength could pull up mountains, my spirit overtopped the world; the times are against me, and Zhui will not run. If Zhui will not run, what can I do? Yu, oh Yu, what will become of you?
  13. The Decadent Music Made for King ZhouSima QianThen he had Shi Juan compose new licentious sounds, the dances of Beili, and soft, decadent music.
  14. Food Without Taste: The King of Chu's AnxietySima QianI lie down but cannot rest, I eat but cannot taste my food, and my heart sways like a hanging banner with nowhere to rest.
  15. Never Two Dishes at a Meal: Goujian's FrugalitySima QianKing Goujian of Yue never has two dishes at a meal or two colours in his clothes; he mourns the dead and asks after the sick, for he means to put his people to use.
  16. High Gates and Great Houses for the Jixia ScholarsSima QianHe built them residences on the broad avenues, with high gates and great houses, to honour and favour them.
  17. The Swan's Ambition: Chen She in the FieldsSima QianAlas! How can sparrows and swallows know the ambition of a swan!
  18. The Duke of Zhou Spits Out His Food Three TimesSima QianYet when I wash my hair I break off three times, and at one meal I spit out my food three times, to rise and receive men of ability, and still I fear losing the worthy men of the realm.
  19. Three Months Without Tasting Meat: Confucius Hears the ShaoSima QianHe heard the Shao and studied it; for three months he did not know the taste of meat, and the people of Qi praised him.
  20. They Are the Knife and Chopping Board, We the Fish and MeatSima QianRight now they are the knife and chopping board, and we are the fish and meat. Why take leave?
  21. Rivers and Seas Turn Away No Trickling StreamSima QianRivers and seas do not pick and choose among small streams, and so they achieve their depth.
  22. No Common Counsel Between Different PathsSima QianThose in the world who study Laozi disparage the Confucians, and the Confucians in turn disparage Laozi. Is this what is meant by those whose ways differ not making plans together?
  23. The Swan Flies a Thousand Li in One FlightLiu BangThe swan flies high; in one flight it covers a thousand li.
  24. A Plan Without a Single FlawChao CuoLet the two forces support each other inside and out, each using its own strength, and add the weight of numbers: this is a perfectly safe method.
  25. The Three Rivers and Five Lakes Dredged by YuLiu An (comp.)Shun then sent Yu to clear the three rivers and five lakes, open the Yi Gate, guide the Chan and Jian streams, level and connect channels and fields, and lead the waters into the Eastern Sea.
  26. The Three Bonds and Five Constant VirtuesDong Zhongshu (traditionally attributed)The three bonds of the kingly way can be sought in Heaven.
  27. More Than Can Be ReckonedBan GuIn the more than a hundred years since the frontier was built, not all of it was earthen wall: some follows mountain rock, some is fallen timber and brushwood, some water gates in valleys, gradually levelled, built and kept by soldiers and convicts, with labour and cost over so long a time that they cannot be reckoned.
  28. Duty Forbids Looking BackSima XiangruThey brave bare blades and flying arrows; bound by duty they do not look back, and their thoughts never turn on their heels; every man's heart is full of anger, as if avenging a personal wrong.
  29. Joy at Its Height Turns to SorrowEmperor Wu of Han (traditionally attributed)Flutes and drums sound and the boatmen raise their song; when joy is at its height, sorrow multiplies.
  30. Sturdy Carriages Drawn by Fat HorsesChao CuoThey roam a thousand li for pleasure, their caps and carriage canopies in sight of one another; they ride sturdy carriages behind fat horses, wear silk shoes and trail white silk.
  31. Given Teeth, Denied HornsBan GuHeaven too apportions its gifts: to those it gives teeth it takes away horns, and to those it gives wings it gives only two feet. This means that whoever receives the great may not take the small as well.
  32. The Northern Horse Leans Toward the Home WindBan ChaoI have heard that when Taigong was enfeoffed in Qi, five generations were buried back in Zhou; a dying fox turns its head toward its hill, and a horse of Dai leans toward the north wind.
  33. Arms Are Ill-Omened and War Is PerilousChao CuoWeapons are instruments of ill omen; battle is a perilous affair.
  34. Carving a Swan That Still Looks Like a DuckMa YuanIf you copy Bogao and fail, you will still be a careful, disciplined man: this is what is called carving a swan and failing, yet it still looks like a duck.
  35. Promote the Root, Restrain the BranchesBan GuAll answered that they wished to end the commanderies' salt, iron and liquor monopolies and equable transport, to promote the root and restrain the branches and not compete with the realm for profit; then moral transformation could flourish.
  36. Ten Suns Rising TogetherLiu An (comp.)In the time of Yao, ten suns rose together, scorching the crops and killing the plants, and the people had nothing to eat.
  37. Standing Third with Heaven and EarthSima XiangruSo he ranges over embracing all and accommodating everything, and labours in thought to stand third with Heaven and Earth.
  38. So Close at Hand, Yet Far as the HorizonAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Heaven's majesty is not a foot away from my face.
  39. Food Offered with a Contemptuous CallDai Sheng (comp.)It is precisely because I would not eat food offered with a contemptuous call that I have come to this!
  40. Gathering the Four Seas into One BagJia YiHe had the intention to roll up the world like a mat, embrace all within the universe and gather the four seas into one bag, and the ambition to swallow the eight wildernesses.
  41. A Rich Man Never Sits Under the EavesSima XiangruA man with a thousand in gold does not sit by the edge of the hall.
  42. Doors Unbarred at Night in the Age of Great UnityDai Sheng (comp.)So outer doors were not closed. This was called the Great Unity.
  43. So Slow, So Late: Emperor Wu Waits for Lady Li's SpiritEmperor Wu of Han (Liu Che)Is it she, or is it not? I stand and gaze at her; why does she come so slowly, so late!
  44. Sir Fictitious and Master Nobody: Sima Xiangru's Invented DebatersSima XiangruAfter the hunt, Sir Fictitious went to boast to Master Nobody, and Lord Not-Such was there too.
  45. Filial Sons and Dutiful Grandsons: Emperor Wu's Edict on the AgedBan GuNow the filial sons and dutiful grandsons of the realm wish to give their all to their elders, but are pressed by public duties and lack means.
  46. Remember Danger in Times of Safety: Hou Ying Defends the FrontierBan GuThe ancients did not forget danger in times of safety; the defences cannot be abolished again. That is the second reason.
  47. A Gentle Carriage with Rush-Wrapped Wheels for Master ShenBan GuEnvoys were sent with a comfortable carriage on rush-wrapped wheels, silk and a jade disc, to summon Master Shen of Lu.
  48. So Near Her Room, So Far the Lady: The Phoenix Seeks His MateSima Xiangru (traditionally attributed)There is a lovely, virtuous lady here; her room is near, she is far, and my heart alone is wrung.
  49. Little Integrity, Less Shame: Sima Xiangru's Proclamation to Ba and ShuSima XiangruTheir elders did not teach them first, nor did the young follow carefully; they have little integrity and less shame, and their customs are not honest.
  50. Careful and Cautious: Huo Guang's Twenty Years at CourtBan GuHe went in and out of the forbidden gates for more than twenty years, careful and cautious, never making a mistake, and was greatly trusted.
  51. Lofty Counsel and Broad Vision: Sima Xiangru Answers the Elders of ShuSima XiangruHe must put forward lofty and far-reaching counsel, found great works and hand them down, setting a pattern for ten thousand generations.
  52. At the Hub of the AxleBan GuChancellor Che stood in the rank of Yi Yin and Lü Shang, at the hub of the axle, yet said nothing and only kept himself safe.
  53. Reciting What Has Been Handed DownSima XiangruIs he merely to be bound by statutes and custom, reciting what has been handed down and seeking his age's approval?
  54. In Fear and Trembling, as on Thin IceBan GuIn fear and trembling, as if at the edge of a deep abyss, as if treading on thin ice.
  55. Sleeping on Firewood with Fire BeneathJia YiTo set fire beneath a pile of firewood and sleep on top, and call it safe because the fire has not yet caught.
  56. Strength to Uproot Mountains, Spirit to Top the WorldXiang YuMy strength could uproot mountains, my spirit overtopped the world; the times are against me, and Zhui will not run.
  57. Everyone Stays Safely in Place as BeforeBan GuAll other Qin laws are abolished. Officials and people shall all stay safely in place as before.
  58. This Is a Matter of Great MomentSima XiangruYet this is a matter of great moment, which is certainly not something onlookers can see.
  59. Praising the Ancients to Condemn the PresentBan GuMoreover, common Confucians do not grasp what the times require; they love to praise the ancient and condemn the present, confusing people about names and realities so that they do not know what to hold to. How can they be entrusted with anything!
  60. Orders Issued at Dawn, Changed by DuskChao CuoUrgent government demands and harsh levies, taxes gathered at no fixed time, orders issued at dawn and changed by dusk.
  61. Deep Grace Overflowing from the Han ThroneSima XiangruIts martial might abundant, its deep grace overflowing, all living things are drenched and soaked, and it spills beyond our borders.
  62. A Leaking Cup Can Never Be FilledHuan KuanThe drip from the eaves is enough to fill a pot or jar, yet the great rivers cannot fill a leaking cup.
  63. The Dying Fox Turns Its Head to Its Home HillBan ChaoA fox dies facing its hill, and the horses of Dai lean toward the wind.
  64. A Prison Drawn on the Ground: Sima Qian on a Scholar's HonourBan GuSo a man of honour will not enter even a prison drawn on the ground, nor answer even a jailer carved of wood; he has made up his mind beforehand.
  65. Drawing a Tiger That Turns Out a Dog: Ma Yuan's AdviceMa YuanFail to become Jiliang and you will sink into a frivolous wastrel; this is what is meant by drawing a tiger and getting a dog.
  66. Only a Brimming Stream Between: The Herd Boy and the Weaver GirlAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Across one brimming stream they gaze in longing and cannot speak.
  67. Upright Speech and Bold Remonstrance: Emperor Wu's Call for TalentBan GuRecommend worthy, upright men who will speak frankly and remonstrate to the utmost.
  68. Courtesy Demands a Return: The Rule of ReciprocityDai Sheng (comp.)Ritual values going and coming: to go and receive nothing back is not proper; to receive and give nothing back is not proper either.
  69. The Autumn Fan Laid Aside: Lady Ban's LamentLady Ban (Ban Jieyu) (traditionally attributed)I always fear the coming of autumn, when cool winds steal the heat; then I will be cast into a chest, and love broken off halfway.
  70. A Ceremonial Cap Laid Under Shoes: Jia Yi Mourns Qu YuanJia YiThe ceremonial cap is laid beneath the shoes; this cannot long endure.
  71. Liu Bang's Three-Article Compact with the Elders of QinBan GuI make a compact with you elders of only three laws: whoever kills shall die; whoever injures or steals shall be punished accordingly.
  72. Luofu Already Has a Husband: Rebuffing the GovernorAnonymous (Han folk yuefu)You have your own wife, and Luofu has her own husband.
  73. Dismissing the Hundred Schools to Honour ConfucianismBan GuIn my humble view, all that lies outside the Six Arts and the way of Confucius should be cut off and not allowed to advance alongside them.
  74. Silent Looks Full of Love Across the Milky WayAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Between them only a clear, brimming stream; gazing silently, they cannot speak.
  75. As If Wading Through Deep Water: Emperor Wu Seeks Worthy MenBan GuI rise early to seek and lie down at night to ponder, as if wading through deep water, not knowing how to cross.
  76. At a Loss What to Do: Ni Kuan Drafts the MemorialBan GuThe clerks did not know what to do. Kuan explained its meaning to them, and so they had him write the memorial.
  77. Tousled Hair and a Grimy Face: Feng Gui on Dress and VirtueBan GuA gentleman straightens his clothes and cap and makes his bearing dignified; why must one have tousled hair and a grimy face before being counted worthy?
  78. Stored Away in a Famous Mountain: Sima Qian's Life WorkBan GuIf I can truly complete this book, store it in a famous mountain and pass it to the right people.
  79. Moth Brows and Gleaming Teeth: the Neighbour in Sima Xiangru's RhapsodySima Xiangru (traditionally attributed)My neighbour to the east was a girl with rich, lovely hair like clouds, moth brows and gleaming teeth.
  80. Accidents of Bit and Bridle: Sima Xiangru Remonstrates Against the HuntSima XiangruEven when the road is cleared and one drives along the middle, accidents of bit and bridle still happen at times.
  81. Facing Death as if It Were Life: Chao Cuo on Frontier SoldiersChao CuoThus they can make their people brave arrows and stones and go through boiling water and fire, regarding death as if it were life.
  82. Resolved Without Turning on One's Heel: Sima Xiangru's Proclamation to Ba and ShuSima XiangruDuty forbids them to look back, and once resolved they never turn on their heels; every man is filled with anger as if avenging a private wrong.
  83. Planning Deeply and Looking Far Ahead: Sima Xiangru on Loyal ServiceSima XiangruThey plan deeply and look far ahead, hasten to meet the nation's crisis, and gladly fulfil the duty of subjects.
  84. Keeping Faith and Cultivating Harmony: Confucius on the Great UnityDai Sheng (comp.)When the great Way prevailed, the world was shared by all; the worthy and able were chosen, good faith was valued and harmony cultivated.
  85. Worthy, Good, Square and Upright: the Han Recommendation ExaminationBan GuAn edict ordered the chancellor, the imperial counsellor, the nobles and senior officials to recommend men worthy, good, square and upright, who would speak frankly and remonstrate boldly.
  86. Lighter Than a Wild Goose's FeatherBan GuEveryone must die once; some deaths are weightier than Mount Tai and some lighter than a goose feather, because what they are used for differs.
  87. Turning Thoughts Over and ReconsideringSima XiangruThen he turned his thoughts over and reconsidered, gathered the opinions of the ministers, and inquired into the matter of the Feng and Shan sacrifices.
  88. Promoting Farming and Holding Back TradeHuan KuanWe ask that the salt, iron and liquor monopolies and balanced transport be abolished, in order to advance the root and hold back the branches and greatly benefit agriculture.
  89. Choosing the Worthy and Employing the AbleDai Sheng (comp.)When the great Way prevailed, the world belonged to all; the worthy and the able were chosen, and people kept faith and cultivated harmony.
  90. Thoroughfare Towns and Great CitiesBan GuIf I can truly complete this book, store it on a famous mountain and hand it to those who understand it, spreading it through the great cities, I will have repaid my disgrace; though I were killed ten thousand times, what regret would I have?
  91. Far and Near United as One BodySima XiangruFar and near will be one body, the central lands and the outer regions will share blessings; would that not be peace?
  92. Fleeing Drowning to a Mountain CornerSima Xiangru (traditionally attributed)It is like guarding against fire in the middle of water, or avoiding drowning in a mountain corner; they had never seen what might tempt them, so how could that prove they did not love beauty?
  93. Lasting Order and Enduring PeaceJia YiEstablish the conditions for lasting peace and achieve the work of enduring order.
  94. Xiang Zhuang Performs a Sword Dance at the FeastBan GuZhuang went in and offered a toast. When it was done, he said, 'There is nothing in camp for entertainment; allow me to dance with a sword.' He drew his sword and danced.
  95. Gathering Like Fish Swimming UpstreamSima XiangruAll four quarters were swayed by the wind of virtue, and the rulers of the two regions gathered like fish swimming upstream; those wishing to receive titles were counted in the hundreds of millions.
  96. A Rich Man Does Not Sit Beneath the EavesSima XiangruSo the common saying goes, a man with a thousand in gold at home does not sit beneath the eaves. The saying is small, but it can illustrate great things.

Three Kingdoms

4 works

220–280

  1. Separating Heaven and EarthXu ZhengFrom the myth of Pangu splitting heaven from earth; since the dawn of time, or an unprecedented feat.
  2. Three Visits to the Thatched CottageZhuge LiangLiu Bei visited Zhuge Liang's cottage three times to recruit him; sincerely and repeatedly seeking out talent.
  3. Bowing in Devotion Until ExhaustedZhuge LiangServing with reverent care and giving all one's strength; lifelong, wholehearted devotion to duty.
  4. Facing Wine, One Should SingCao CaoSing over your wine, for life is short; originally a lament on fleeting time, later carefree revelry.