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Chengyu — J 323 idioms
- 假道伐虢 jiǎ dào fá Guó ㄐㄧㄚˇ ㄉㄠˋ ㄈㄚˊ ㄍㄨㄛˊ gaa2 dou6 fat6 gwik1 to obtain safe passage to conquer the State of Guo; to borrow the resources of an ally to attack a common enemy (idiom)
- 家道中落 jiā dào zhōng luò ㄐㄧㄚ ㄉㄠˋ ㄓㄨㄥ ㄌㄨㄛˋ gaa1 dou6 zung1 lok6 to come down in the world (idiom); to suffer a reversal of fortune
- 家大业大家大業大 jiā dà yè dà ㄐㄧㄚ ㄉㄚˋ ㄧㄝˋ ㄉㄚˋ gaa1 daai6 jip6 daai6 (idiom) to have a sprawling business
- 假公济私假公濟私 jiǎ gōng jì sī ㄐㄧㄚˇ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄐㄧˋ ㄙ gaa2 gung1 zai3 si1 official authority used for private interests (idiom); to attain private ends by abusing public position
- 加官进爵加官進爵 jiā guān jìn jué ㄐㄧㄚ ㄍㄨㄢ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄐㄩㄝˊ gaa1 gun1 zeon3 zoek3 promotion to the nobility (idiom)
- 加官进禄加官進祿 jiā guān jìn lù ㄐㄧㄚ ㄍㄨㄢ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄌㄨˋ gaa1 gun1 zeon3 luk6 promotion in official post and salary raise (idiom)
- 加官进位加官進位 jiā guān jìn wèi ㄐㄧㄚ ㄍㄨㄢ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄨㄟˋ gaa1 gun1 zeon3 wai6 promotion in official post and salary raise (idiom)
- 驾鹤西去駕鶴西去 jià hè xī qù ㄐㄧㄚˋ ㄏㄜˋ ㄒㄧ ㄑㄩˋ gaa3 hok6 sai1 heoi3 lit. to fly on a crane to the Western Paradise; fig. to pass away (idiom)
- 嫁祸于人嫁禍於人 jià huò yú rén ㄐㄧㄚˋ ㄏㄨㄛˋ ㄩˊ ㄖㄣˊ gaa3 wo6 jyu1 jan4 to pass the misfortune on to sb else (idiom); to blame others; to pass the buck
- 家家户户家家戶戶 jiā jiā hù hù ㄐㄧㄚ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄏㄨˋ ㄏㄨˋ gaa1 gaa1 wu6 wu6 each and every family (idiom); every household
- 加减乘除加減乘除 jiā jiǎn chéng chú ㄐㄧㄚ ㄐㄧㄢˇ ㄔㄥˊ ㄔㄨˊ gaa1 gaam2 sing4 ceoi4 (idiom) addition, subtraction, multiplication and division: the four basic operations of arithmetic
- 家给人足家給人足 jiā jǐ rén zú ㄐㄧㄚ ㄐㄧˇ ㄖㄣˊ ㄗㄨˊ gaa1 kap1 jan4 zuk1 lit. each household provided for, enough for the individual (idiom); comfortably off
- 嫁鸡随鸡嫁雞隨雞 jià jī suí jī ㄐㄧㄚˋ ㄐㄧ ㄙㄨㄟˊ ㄐㄧ gaa3 gai1 ceoi4 gai1 If you marry a chicken, follow the chicken (idiom); A woman should follow whatever her husband orders.; We must learn to accept the people around us.
- 价廉物美價廉物美 jià lián wù měi ㄐㄧㄚˋ ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄨˋ ㄇㄟˇ gaa3 lim4 mat6 mei5 inexpensive and of good quality (idiom)
- 剑拔弩张劍拔弩張 jiàn bá nǔ zhāng ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄅㄚˊ ㄋㄨˇ ㄓㄤ gim3 bat6 nou5 zoeng1 lit. with swords drawn and bows bent (idiom); fig. a state of mutual hostility; at daggers drawn
- 坚壁清野堅壁清野 jiān bì qīng yě ㄐㄧㄢ ㄅㄧˋ ㄑㄧㄥ ㄧㄝˇ gin1 bik1 cing1 je5 to fortify defenses and raze the fields (idiom); to leave nothing for the invader; scorched earth policy
- 坚不可摧堅不可摧 jiān bù kě cuī ㄐㄧㄢ ㄅㄨˋ ㄎㄜˇ ㄘㄨㄟ gin1 bat1 ho2 ceoi1 (idiom) invulnerable; indestructible; impregnable
- 间不容发間不容髮 jiān bù róng fà ㄐㄧㄢ ㄅㄨˋ ㄖㄨㄥˊ ㄈㄚˋ gaan3 bat1 jung4 faat3 (to escape danger etc) by a hair's breadth (idiom); in a critical state; on the brink of crisis; very close (to happening); Taiwan pr. [jian4 bu4 rong2 fa3]
- 剪草除根 jiǎn cǎo chú gēn ㄐㄧㄢˇ ㄘㄠˇ ㄔㄨˊ ㄍㄣ zin2 cou2 ceoi4 gan1 lit. cut grass and pull out roots (idiom); fig. to destroy root and branch; to eradicate
- 坚持不懈堅持不懈 jiān chí bù xiè ㄐㄧㄢ ㄔˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄒㄧㄝˋ gin1 ci4 bat1 haai6 (idiom) to persevere unremittingly; to keep going until the end
- 坚持不渝堅持不渝 jiān chí bù yú ㄐㄧㄢ ㄔˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄩˊ gin1 ci4 bat1 jyu4 to stick to sth without change (idiom); to persevere
- 见多识广見多識廣 jiàn duō shí guǎng ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄉㄨㄛ ㄕˊ ㄍㄨㄤˇ gin3 do1 sik1 gwong2 (idiom) experienced and knowledgeable
- 见缝插针見縫插針 jiàn fèng chā zhēn ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄈㄥˋ ㄔㄚ ㄓㄣ gin3 fung6 caap3 zam1 lit. to see a gap and stick in a needle (idiom); fig. to make use of every second and every inch
- 见缝就钻見縫就鑽 jiàn fèng jiù zuān ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄈㄥˋ ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄗㄨㄢ gin3 fung6 zau6 zyun3 lit. to squeeze into every crack (idiom); fig. to make the most of every opportunity
- 见风使舵見風使舵 jiàn fēng shǐ duò ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄈㄥ ㄕˇ ㄉㄨㄛˋ gin3 fung1 sai2 to4 lit. see the wind and set the helm (idiom); fig. to act pragmatically; to be flexible and take advantage of the situation
- 见风使帆見風使帆 jiàn fēng shǐ fān ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄈㄥ ㄕˇ ㄈㄢ gin3 fung1 sai2 faan4 lit. see the wind and set your sails (idiom); fig. to act pragmatically; to be flexible and take advantage of the situation
- 见风是雨見風是雨 jiàn fēng shì yǔ ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄈㄥ ㄕˋ ㄩˇ gin3 fung1 si6 jyu5 lit. see the wind and assume it will rain (idiom); fig. gullible; to believe whatever people suggest
- 见风转舵見風轉舵 jiàn fēng zhuǎn duò ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄈㄥ ㄓㄨㄢˇ ㄉㄨㄛˋ gin3 fung1 zyun2 to4 lit. see the wind and set the helm (idiom); fig. to act pragmatically; to be flexible and take advantage of the situation
- 拣佛烧香揀佛燒香 jiǎn fó shāo xiāng ㄐㄧㄢˇ ㄈㄛˊ ㄕㄠ ㄒㄧㄤ gaan2 fat6 siu1 hoeng1 to choose which Buddha to burn incense to (idiom); fig. to curry favor from the right person
- 将错就错將錯就錯 jiāng cuò jiù cuò ㄐㄧㄤ ㄘㄨㄛˋ ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄘㄨㄛˋ zoeng1 co3 zau6 co3 lit. if it's wrong, it's wrong (idiom); to make the best after a mistake; to accept an error and adapt to it; to muddle through
- 将功补过將功補過 jiāng gōng bǔ guò ㄐㄧㄤ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄅㄨˇ ㄍㄨㄛˋ zoeng1 gung1 bou2 gwo3 to make up for one's faults by doing good deeds (idiom)
- 江河日下 jiāng hé rì xià ㄐㄧㄤ ㄏㄜˊ ㄖˋ ㄒㄧㄚˋ gong1 ho4 jat6 haa6 rivers pour away by the day (idiom); going from bad to worse; deteriorating day by day
- 将计就计將計就計 jiāng jì jiù jì ㄐㄧㄤ ㄐㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄐㄧˋ zoeng1 gai3 zau6 gai3 to beat sb at their own game (idiom)
- 江郎才尽江郎才盡 Jiāng láng cái jìn ㄐㄧㄤ ㄌㄤˊ ㄘㄞˊ ㄐㄧㄣˋ gong1 long4 coi4 zeon6 Jiang Yan has exhausted his talent (idiom); fig. to have used up one's creative powers; to have writer's block
- 将勤补拙將勤補拙 jiāng qín bǔ zhuō ㄐㄧㄤ ㄑㄧㄣˊ ㄅㄨˇ ㄓㄨㄛ zoeng1 kan4 bou2 zyut3 (idiom) to compensate for lack of ability with hard work
- 奸官污吏 jiān guān wū lì ㄐㄧㄢ ㄍㄨㄢ ㄨ ㄌㄧˋ gaan1 gun1 wu1 lei6 traitor minister and corrupt official (idiom); abuse and corruption
- 将心比心將心比心 jiāng xīn bǐ xīn ㄐㄧㄤ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄅㄧˇ ㄒㄧㄣ zoeng1 sam1 bei2 sam1 to put oneself in sb else's shoes (idiom)
- 匠心独运匠心獨運 jiàng xīn dú yùn ㄐㄧㄤˋ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄉㄨˊ ㄩㄣˋ zoeng6 sam1 duk6 wan6 original and ingenious (idiom); to show great creativity
- 江洋大盗江洋大盜 jiāng yáng dà dào ㄐㄧㄤ ㄧㄤˊ ㄉㄚˋ ㄉㄠˋ gong1 joeng4 daai6 dou6 (idiom) infamous pirate; (by extension) notorious bandit or robber
- 见好就收見好就收 jiàn hǎo jiù shōu ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄏㄠˇ ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄕㄡ gin3 hou2 zau6 sau1 (idiom) to quit while one is ahead; to know when to stop
- 槛花笼鹤檻花籠鶴 jiàn huā lóng hè ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄏㄨㄚ ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄏㄜˋ haam5 faa1 lung4 hok6 a flower in a cage, a crane in a basket (idiom); prisoner
- 兼济天下兼濟天下 jiān jì tiān xià ㄐㄧㄢ ㄐㄧˋ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄒㄧㄚˋ gim1 zai3 tin1 haa6 (idiom) to make everyone's lives better
- 见机行事見機行事 jiàn jī xíng shì ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄐㄧ ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄕˋ gin3 gei1 hang4 si6 see the opportunity and act (idiom); to act according to circumstances; to play it by ear; to use one's discretion
- 艰苦朴素艱苦樸素 jiān kǔ pǔ sù ㄐㄧㄢ ㄎㄨˇ ㄆㄨˇ ㄙㄨˋ gaan1 fu2 pok3 sou3 leading a plain, hardworking life (idiom)
- 坚苦卓绝堅苦卓絕 jiān kǔ zhuó jué ㄐㄧㄢ ㄎㄨˇ ㄓㄨㄛˊ ㄐㄩㄝˊ gin1 fu2 coek3 zyut3 persisting despite trials and tribulations (idiom); conspicuous determination
- 见猎心喜見獵心喜 jiàn liè xīn xǐ ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄌㄧㄝˋ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄒㄧˇ gin3 lip6 sam1 hei2 lit. seeing others go hunting, one is excited by memories of the thrill of the hunt (idiom); fig. seeing others do what one loves to do, one is inspired to try it again
- 见利思义見利思義 jiàn lì sī yì ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄌㄧˋ ㄙ ㄧˋ gin3 lei6 si1 ji6 to see profit and remember morality (idiom); to act ethically; not tempted by riches
- 见利忘义見利忘義 jiàn lì wàng yì ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄌㄧˋ ㄨㄤˋ ㄧˋ gin3 lei6 mong4 ji6 (idiom) to abandon moral principles in the pursuit of profit
- 剑眉星目劍眉星目 jiàn méi xīng mù ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄇㄟˊ ㄒㄧㄥ ㄇㄨˋ gim3 mei4 sing1 muk6 (idiom) straight, thick, upward-inclined eyebrows and eyes that are bright and full of spirit; striking, handsome features; dashing, heroic appearance
- 简明扼要簡明扼要 jiǎn míng è yào ㄐㄧㄢˇ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄜˋ ㄧㄠˋ gaan2 ming4 aak1 jiu3 brief and to the point (idiom); succinct
- 艰难险阻艱難險阻 jiān nán xiǎn zǔ ㄐㄧㄢ ㄋㄢˊ ㄒㄧㄢˇ ㄗㄨˇ gaan1 naan4 him2 zo2 untold dangers and difficulties (idiom)
- 坚强不屈堅強不屈 jiān qiáng bù qū ㄐㄧㄢ ㄑㄧㄤˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄑㄩ gin1 koeng4 bat1 wat1 staunch and unyielding (idiom); steadfast
- 见钱眼开見錢眼開 jiàn qián yǎn kāi ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄑㄧㄢˊ ㄧㄢˇ ㄎㄞ gin3 cin2 ngaan5 hoi1 to open one's eyes wide at the sight of profit (idiom); thinking of nothing but personal gain; money-grubbing
- 坚韧不拔堅韌不拔 jiān rèn bù bá ㄐㄧㄢ ㄖㄣˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄅㄚˊ gin1 ngan6 bat1 bat6 firm and indomitable (idiom); tenacious and unyielding
- 见仁见智見仁見智 jiàn rén jiàn zhì ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄖㄣˊ ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄓˋ gin3 jan4 gin3 zi3 opinions differ (idiom)
- 渐入佳境漸入佳境 jiàn rù jiā jìng ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄖㄨˋ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄐㄧㄥˋ zim6 jap6 gaai1 ging2 (idiom) to gradually improve; to get better and better
- 坚如磐石堅如磐石 jiān rú pán shí ㄐㄧㄢ ㄖㄨˊ ㄆㄢˊ ㄕˊ gin1 jyu4 pun4 sek6 solid as a boulder (idiom); absolutely secure; rock-firm and unyielding
- 兼善天下 jiān shàn tiān xià ㄐㄧㄢ ㄕㄢˋ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄒㄧㄚˋ gim1 sin6 tin1 haa6 (idiom) to work for the common good beyond one's own interests
- 艰深晦涩艱深晦澀 jiān shēn huì sè ㄐㄧㄢ ㄕㄣ ㄏㄨㄟˋ ㄙㄜˋ gaan1 sam1 fui3 gip3 abstruse and unfathomable (idiom)
- 兼收并蓄兼收並蓄 jiān shōu bìng xù ㄐㄧㄢ ㄕㄡ ㄅㄧㄥˋ ㄒㄩˋ gim1 sau1 bing6 cuk1 incorporating diverse things (idiom); eclectic; all-embracing
- 鉴往知来鑒往知來 jiàn wǎng zhī lái ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄨㄤˇ ㄓ ㄌㄞˊ gaam3 wong5 zi1 loi4 to observe the past to foresee the future (idiom, taken loosely from Book of Songs); studying ancient wisdom gives insight into what is to come
- 见微知著見微知著 jiàn wēi zhī zhù ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄨㄟ ㄓ ㄓㄨˋ gin3 mei4 zi1 zoek3 (idiom) to examine tiny clues to know general trends; to deduce the whole story from small traces
- 见贤思齐見賢思齊 jiàn xián sī qí ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄒㄧㄢˊ ㄙ ㄑㄧˊ gin3 jin4 si1 cai4 see a worthy, think to imitate (idiom, from Analects); emulate the virtuous; Follow the example of a virtuous and wise teacher.
- 见异思迁見異思遷 jiàn yì sī qiān ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄧˋ ㄙ ㄑㄧㄢ gin3 ji6 si1 cin1 to change at once on seeing sth different (idiom); loving fads and novelty; never satisfied with what one has
- 俭以养廉儉以養廉 jiǎn yǐ yǎng lián ㄐㄧㄢˇ ㄧˇ ㄧㄤˇ ㄌㄧㄢˊ gim6 ji5 joeng5 lim4 (idiom) frugality makes honesty
- 见义勇为見義勇為 jiàn yì yǒng wéi ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄧˋ ㄩㄥˇ ㄨㄟˊ gin3 ji6 jung5 wai4 (idiom, from the Analects) (usu. of a passer-by who comes across a critical situation) to step in and help; to take brave or selfless action
- 坚贞不屈堅貞不屈 jiān zhēn bù qū ㄐㄧㄢ ㄓㄣ ㄅㄨˋ ㄑㄩ gin1 zing1 bat1 wat1 faithful and unchanging (idiom); steadfast
- 坚贞不渝堅貞不渝 jiān zhēn bù yú ㄐㄧㄢ ㄓㄣ ㄅㄨˋ ㄩˊ gin1 zing1 bat1 jyu4 unyielding integrity (idiom); unwavering
- 骄兵必败驕兵必敗 jiāo bīng bì bài ㄐㄧㄠ ㄅㄧㄥ ㄅㄧˋ ㄅㄞˋ giu1 bing1 bit1 baai6 lit. an arrogant army is bound to lose (idiom); fig. pride goes before a fall
- 脚不沾地腳不沾地 jiǎo bù zhān dì ㄐㄧㄠˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄓㄢ ㄉㄧˋ goek3 bat1 zim1 dei6 feet not touching the ground (idiom); to run like the wind
- 交口称誉交口稱譽 jiāo kǒu chēng yù ㄐㄧㄠ ㄎㄡˇ ㄔㄥ ㄩˋ gaau1 hau2 cing1 jyu6 voices unanimous in praise (idiom); with an extensive public reputation
- 叫苦不迭 jiào kǔ bu dié ㄐㄧㄠˋ ㄎㄨˇ ˙ㄅㄨ ㄉㄧㄝˊ giu3 fu2 bat1 dit6 to complain without stopping (idiom); to bitch endlessly; incessant grievances
- 叫苦连天叫苦連天 jiào kǔ lián tiān ㄐㄧㄠˋ ㄎㄨˇ ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄊㄧㄢ giu3 fu2 lin4 tin1 to whine on for days (idiom); to endlessly grumble complaints; incessant whining
- 交浅言深交淺言深 jiāo qiǎn yán shēn ㄐㄧㄠ ㄑㄧㄢˇ ㄧㄢˊ ㄕㄣ gaau1 cin2 jin4 sam1 (idiom) to talk intimately while being comparative strangers
- 脚踏实地腳踏實地 jiǎo tà shí dì ㄐㄧㄠˇ ㄊㄚˋ ㄕˊ ㄉㄧˋ goek3 daap6 sat6 dei6 to have one's feet firmly planted on the ground (idiom); realistic without flights of fancy; steady and serious character
- 焦头烂额焦頭爛額 jiāo tóu làn é ㄐㄧㄠ ㄊㄡˊ ㄌㄢˋ ㄜˊ ziu1 tau4 laan6 ngaak6 lit. badly burned about the head (from trying to put out a fire) (idiom); fig. hard-pressed; under pressure (from a heavy workload, creditors etc)
- 狡兔三窟 jiǎo tù sān kū ㄐㄧㄠˇ ㄊㄨˋ ㄙㄢ ㄎㄨ gaau2 tou3 saam1 fat1 lit. a crafty rabbit has three burrows; a sly individual has more than one plan to fall back on (idiom)
- 矫枉过正矯枉過正 jiǎo wǎng guò zhèng ㄐㄧㄠˇ ㄨㄤˇ ㄍㄨㄛˋ ㄓㄥˋ giu2 wong2 gwo3 zing3 to overcorrect (idiom); to overcompensate
- 骄者必败驕者必敗 jiāo zhě bì bài ㄐㄧㄠ ㄓㄜˇ ㄅㄧˋ ㄅㄞˋ giu1 ze2 bit1 baai6 pride goes before a fall (idiom)
- 家贫如洗家貧如洗 jiā pín rú xǐ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄆㄧㄣˊ ㄖㄨˊ ㄒㄧˇ gaa1 pan4 jyu4 sai2 extreme poverty (idiom); destitute; penniless; poor as church mice
- 家破人亡 jiā pò rén wáng ㄐㄧㄚ ㄆㄛˋ ㄖㄣˊ ㄨㄤˊ gaa1 po3 jan4 mong4 family bankrupt and the people dead (idiom); ruined and orphaned; destitute and homeless
- 驾轻就熟駕輕就熟 jià qīng jiù shú ㄐㄧㄚˋ ㄑㄧㄥ ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄕㄨˊ gaa3 hing1 zau6 suk6 lit. an easy drive on a familiar path (idiom); fig. experience makes progress easy; a task that is so familiar one can do it with one's hand tied behind one's back
- 戛然而止 jiá rán ér zhǐ ㄐㄧㄚˊ ㄖㄢˊ ㄦˊ ㄓˇ gaat3 jin4 ji4 zi2 with a grunting sound it stops (idiom); to come to an end spontaneously (esp. of sound)
- 佳人才子 jiā rén cái zǐ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄖㄣˊ ㄘㄞˊ ㄗˇ gaai1 jan4 coi4 zi2 lit. beautiful lady, gifted scholar (idiom); fig. pair of ideal lovers
- 假手于人假手於人 jiǎ shǒu yú rén ㄐㄧㄚˇ ㄕㄡˇ ㄩˊ ㄖㄣˊ gaa2 sau2 jyu1 jan4 (idiom) to get one's own task done by sb else
- 假途灭虢假途滅虢 jiǎ tú miè Guó ㄐㄧㄚˇ ㄊㄨˊ ㄇㄧㄝˋ ㄍㄨㄛˊ gaa2 tou4 mit6 gwik1 lit. a short-cut to crush Guo (idiom); fig. to connive with sb to damage a third party, then turn on the partner
- 家徒四壁 jiā tú sì bì ㄐㄧㄚ ㄊㄨˊ ㄙˋ ㄅㄧˋ gaa1 tou4 sei3 bik1 lit. with only four bare walls for a home (idiom); fig. very poor; wretched
- 家喻户晓家喻戶曉 jiā yù hù xiǎo ㄐㄧㄚ ㄩˋ ㄏㄨˋ ㄒㄧㄠˇ gaa1 jyu6 wu6 hiu2 understood by everyone (idiom); well known; a household name
- 急不可待 jí bù kě dài ㄐㄧˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄎㄜˇ ㄉㄞˋ gap1 bat1 ho2 doi6 (idiom) impatient; eager to (do sth); unable to wait any longer
- 机不可失機不可失 jī bù kě shī ㄐㄧ ㄅㄨˋ ㄎㄜˇ ㄕ gei1 bat1 ho2 sat1 No time to lose! (idiom)
- 积不相能積不相能 jī bù xiāng néng ㄐㄧ ㄅㄨˋ ㄒㄧㄤ ㄋㄥˊ zik1 bat1 soeng1 nang4 (idiom) always at loggerheads; never able to agree with sb; unable to get on with sb
- 饥不择食飢不擇食 jī bù zé shí ㄐㄧ ㄅㄨˋ ㄗㄜˊ ㄕˊ gei1 bat1 zaak6 sik6 when hungry, you can't pick what you eat (idiom); beggars can't be choosers; When matters are urgent, don't spend time choosing alternatives.
- 积草屯粮積草屯糧 jī cǎo tún liáng ㄐㄧ ㄘㄠˇ ㄊㄨㄣˊ ㄌㄧㄤˊ zik1 cou2 tyun4 loeng4 (idiom) to stockpile provisions in preparation for war
- 饥肠辘辘飢腸轆轆 jī cháng lù lù ㄐㄧ ㄔㄤˊ ㄌㄨˋ ㄌㄨˋ gei1 coeng4 luk1 luk1 (idiom) stomach rumbling with hunger; very hungry
- 几次三番幾次三番 jǐ cì sān fān ㄐㄧˇ ㄘˋ ㄙㄢ ㄈㄢ gei2 ci3 saam1 faan1 lit. twice then three times (idiom); fig. repeatedly; over and over again
- 桀骜不驯桀驁不馴 jié ào bù xùn ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄠˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄒㄩㄣˋ arrogant and obstinate (idiom); unyielding
- 捷报频传捷報頻傳 jié bào pín chuán ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄅㄠˋ ㄆㄧㄣˊ ㄔㄨㄢˊ zit3 bou3 pan4 cyun4 victory reports pour in (idiom); news of success in an endless stream
- 结草衔环結草銜環 jié cǎo xián huán ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄘㄠˇ ㄒㄧㄢˊ ㄏㄨㄢˊ git3 cou2 haam4 waan4 to repay sb's kind acts (idiom)
- 截长补短截長補短 jié cháng bǔ duǎn ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄔㄤˊ ㄅㄨˇ ㄉㄨㄢˇ zit6 coeng4 bou2 dyun2 take from the long to supplement the short (idiom); to offset each other's deficiencies; to complement each other
- 结党营私結黨營私 jié dǎng yíng sī ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄉㄤˇ ㄧㄥˊ ㄙ git3 dong2 jing4 si1 (idiom) to form a clique for self-serving purposes
- 借刀杀人借刀殺人 jiè dāo shā rén ㄐㄧㄝˋ ㄉㄠ ㄕㄚ ㄖㄣˊ ze3 dou1 saat3 jan4 to lend sb a knife to kill sb; to get sb else to do one's dirty work; to attack using the strength of another (idiom)
- 接二连三接二連三 jiē èr lián sān ㄐㄧㄝ ㄦˋ ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄙㄢ zip3 ji6 lin4 saam1 (idiom) one after another; in quick succession
- 劫富济贫劫富濟貧 jié fù jì pín ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄈㄨˋ ㄐㄧˋ ㄆㄧㄣˊ gip3 fu3 zai3 pan4 (idiom) to rob the rich to help the poor
- 借古讽今借古諷今 jiè gǔ fěng jīn ㄐㄧㄝˋ ㄍㄨˇ ㄈㄥˇ ㄐㄧㄣ ze3 gu2 fung3 gam1 to use the past to disparage the present (idiom)
- 劫后余生劫後餘生 jié hòu yú shēng ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄏㄡˋ ㄩˊ ㄕㄥ gip3 hau6 jyu4 sang1 (idiom) to be a survivor of a calamity
- 借花献佛借花獻佛 jiè huā xiàn Fó ㄐㄧㄝˋ ㄏㄨㄚ ㄒㄧㄢˋ ㄈㄛˊ ze3 faa1 hin3 fat6 lit. presenting the Buddha with borrowed flowers (idiom); fig. to win favor or influence using sb else's property; plagiarism
- 戒骄戒躁戒驕戒躁 jiè jiāo jiè zào ㄐㄧㄝˋ ㄐㄧㄠ ㄐㄧㄝˋ ㄗㄠˋ gaai3 giu1 gaai3 cou3 to guard against pride and impatience (idiom); to remain modest and keep cool
- 竭尽全力竭盡全力 jié jìn quán lì ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄑㄩㄢˊ ㄌㄧˋ kit3 zeon6 cyun4 lik6 (idiom) to spare no effort; to do one's utmost
- 借酒浇愁借酒澆愁 jiè jiǔ jiāo chóu ㄐㄧㄝˋ ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄐㄧㄠ ㄔㄡˊ ze3 zau2 giu1 sau4 (idiom) to drown one's sorrows
- 接连不断接連不斷 jiē lián bù duàn ㄐㄧㄝ ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄉㄨㄢˋ zip3 lin4 bat1 dyun6 (idiom) in unbroken succession; continuous
- 解民倒悬解民倒懸 jiě mín dào xuán ㄐㄧㄝˇ ㄇㄧㄣˊ ㄉㄠˋ ㄒㄩㄢˊ gaai2 man4 dou2 jyun4 lit. to rescue the people from hanging upside down (idiom, from Mencius); to save the people from dire straits
- 嫉恶如仇嫉惡如仇 jí è rú chóu ㄐㄧˊ ㄜˋ ㄖㄨˊ ㄔㄡˊ zat6 ok3 jyu4 sau4 (idiom) to hate evil as one hates an enemy
- 节上生枝節上生枝 jié shàng shēng zhī ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄕㄤˋ ㄕㄥ ㄓ zit3 soeng6 sang1 zi1 a new branch grows out of a knot (idiom); fig. side issues keep arising
- 戒奢崇俭戒奢崇儉 jiè shē chóng jiǎn ㄐㄧㄝˋ ㄕㄜ ㄔㄨㄥˊ ㄐㄧㄢˇ gaai3 ce1 sung4 gim6 (idiom) to refrain from extravagance and cherish frugality
- 洁身自好潔身自好 jié shēn zì hào ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄕㄣ ㄗˋ ㄏㄠˋ git3 san1 zi6 hou2 clean-living and honest (idiom); to avoid immorality; to shun evil influence; to mind one's own business and keep out of trouble; to keep one's hands clean
- 借尸还魂借屍還魂 jiè shī huán hún ㄐㄧㄝˋ ㄕ ㄏㄨㄢˊ ㄏㄨㄣˊ ze3 si1 waan4 wan4 lit. reincarnated in sb else's body (idiom); fig. a discarded or discredited idea returns in another guise
- 劫数难逃劫數難逃 jié shù nán táo ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄕㄨˋ ㄋㄢˊ ㄊㄠˊ gip3 sou3 naan4 tou4 Destiny is inexorable, there is no fleeing it (idiom). Your doom is at hand.
- 桀贪骜诈桀貪驁詐 jié tān ào zhà ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄊㄢ ㄠˋ ㄓㄚˋ git6 taam1 ngou4 zaa3 brutal, greedy, arrogant and deceitful (idiom)
- 街谈巷议街談巷議 jiē tán xiàng yì ㄐㄧㄝ ㄊㄢˊ ㄒㄧㄤˋ ㄧˋ gaai1 taam4 hong6 ji5 (idiom) town gossip; streetcorner conversations
- 街头巷尾街頭巷尾 jiē tóu xiàng wěi ㄐㄧㄝ ㄊㄡˊ ㄒㄧㄤˋ ㄨㄟˇ gaai1 tau4 hong6 mei5 top of streets, bottom of alleys (idiom); everywhere in the city
- 节外生枝節外生枝 jié wài shēng zhī ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄨㄞˋ ㄕㄥ ㄓ zit3 ngoi6 sang1 zi1 (idiom) new problems arise unexpectedly
- 解疑释惑解疑釋惑 jiě yí shì huò ㄐㄧㄝˇ ㄧˊ ㄕˋ ㄏㄨㄛˋ gaai2 ji4 sik1 waak6 (idiom) to solve a problem; to resolve a difficult issue
- 节衣缩食節衣縮食 jié yī suō shí ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄧ ㄙㄨㄛ ㄕˊ zit3 ji1 suk1 sik6 to save on food and clothing (idiom); to live frugally
- 积恶余殃積惡餘殃 jī è yú yāng ㄐㄧ ㄜˋ ㄩˊ ㄧㄤ zik1 ok3 jyu4 joeng1 Accumulated evil will be repaid in suffering (idiom).
- 竭泽而渔竭澤而漁 jié zé ér yú ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄗㄜˊ ㄦˊ ㄩˊ kit3 zaak6 ji4 jyu4 lit. to drain the pond to get at the fish (idiom); fig. to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
- 捷足先登 jié zú xiān dēng ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄗㄨˊ ㄒㄧㄢ ㄉㄥ zit3 zuk1 sin1 dang1 the quick-footed climb up first (idiom); the early bird catches the worm; first come, first served
- 积非成是積非成是 jī fēi chéng shì ㄐㄧ ㄈㄟ ㄔㄥˊ ㄕˋ zik1 fei1 sing4 si6 a wrong repeated becomes right (idiom); a lie or an error passed on for a long time may be taken for the truth
- 鸡飞蛋打雞飛蛋打 jī fēi dàn dǎ ㄐㄧ ㄈㄟ ㄉㄢˋ ㄉㄚˇ gai1 fei1 daan2 daa2 the chicken has flown the coop and the eggs are broken; a dead loss (idiom)
- 鸡飞狗跳雞飛狗跳 jī fēi gǒu tiào ㄐㄧ ㄈㄟ ㄍㄡˇ ㄊㄧㄠˋ gai1 fei1 gau2 tiu3 lit. chickens flying and dogs jumping (idiom); fig. in chaos; in disarray
- 及锋而试及鋒而試 jí fēng ér shì ㄐㄧˊ ㄈㄥ ㄦˊ ㄕˋ kap6 fung1 ji4 si3 lit. to reach the tip and try (idiom); to have a go when at one's peak
- 疾风劲草疾風勁草 jí fēng jìng cǎo ㄐㄧˊ ㄈㄥ ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄘㄠˇ zat6 fung1 ging6 cou2 lit. sturdy grass withstands high winds (idiom); fig. strength of character is revealed in a crisis
- 急功近利 jí gōng jìn lì ㄐㄧˊ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄌㄧˋ gap1 gung1 gan6 lei6 seeking instant benefit (idiom); shortsighted vision, looking only for fast return
- 击鼓鸣金擊鼓鳴金 jī gǔ míng jīn ㄐㄧ ㄍㄨˇ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄐㄧㄣ gik1 gu2 ming4 gam1 to beat the drum and sound the gong (idiom); fig. to order an advance or retreat; to egg people on or to call them back
- 稽古振今 jī gǔ zhèn jīn ㄐㄧ ㄍㄨˇ ㄓㄣˋ ㄐㄧㄣ kai1 gu2 zan3 gam1 studying the old to promote the new (idiom)
- 饥寒交迫飢寒交迫 jī hán jiāo pò ㄐㄧ ㄏㄢˊ ㄐㄧㄠ ㄆㄛˋ gei1 hon4 gaau1 bik1 beset by hunger and cold (idiom); starving and freezing; in desperate poverty
- 岌岌可危 jí jí kě wēi ㄐㄧˊ ㄐㄧˊ ㄎㄜˇ ㄨㄟ kap1 kap1 ho2 ngai4 imminent danger (idiom); approaching a crisis
- 饥馑荐臻饑饉薦臻 jī jǐn jiàn zhēn ㄐㄧ ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄓㄣ gei1 gan2 zin3 zeon1 famine repeats unceasingly (idiom, from Book of Songs)
- 积金累玉積金累玉 jī jīn lěi yù ㄐㄧ ㄐㄧㄣ ㄌㄟˇ ㄩˋ zik1 gam1 leoi5 juk6 to accumulate gold and jewels (idiom); prosperous
- 济济一堂濟濟一堂 jǐ jǐ yī táng ㄐㄧˇ ㄐㄧˇ ㄧ ㄊㄤˊ zai2 zai2 jat1 tong4 to congregate in one hall (idiom); to gather under one roof
- 济困扶危濟困扶危 jì kùn fú wēi ㄐㄧˋ ㄎㄨㄣˋ ㄈㄨˊ ㄨㄟ zai3 kwan3 fu4 ngai4 to help those in distress (idiom)
- 积劳成疾積勞成疾 jī láo chéng jí ㄐㄧ ㄌㄠˊ ㄔㄥˊ ㄐㄧˊ zik1 lou4 sing4 zat6 to accumulate work causes sickness (idiom); to fall ill from constant overwork
- 鸡毛蒜皮雞毛蒜皮 jī máo suàn pí ㄐㄧ ㄇㄠˊ ㄙㄨㄢˋ ㄆㄧˊ gai1 mou4 syun3 pei4 lit. chicken feathers and garlic skins (idiom); fig. trivial (matter)
- 鸡鸣狗盗雞鳴狗盜 jī míng gǒu dào ㄐㄧ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄍㄡˇ ㄉㄠˋ gai1 ming4 gau2 dou6 crowing like a cock and stealing like a dog (idiom); bag of tricks; useful talents
- 金碧辉煌金碧輝煌 jīn bì huī huáng ㄐㄧㄣ ㄅㄧˋ ㄏㄨㄟ ㄏㄨㄤˊ gam1 bik1 fai1 wong4 gold and jade in glorious splendor (idiom); fig. a dazzling sight (e.g. royal palace)
- 金碧荧煌金碧熒煌 jīn bì yíng huáng ㄐㄧㄣ ㄅㄧˋ ㄧㄥˊ ㄏㄨㄤˊ gam1 bik1 jing4 wong4 splendid in green and gold (idiom); looking radiant
- 金蝉脱壳金蟬脫殼 jīn chán tuō qiào ㄐㄧㄣ ㄔㄢˊ ㄊㄨㄛ ㄑㄧㄠˋ gam1 sim4 tyut3 hok3 lit. the cicada sheds its carapace (idiom); fig. to vanish leaving an empty shell; a crafty escape plan
- 仅此而已僅此而已 jǐn cǐ ér yǐ ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄘˇ ㄦˊ ㄧˇ gan2 ci2 ji4 ji5 (idiom) that's all; just this and nothing more
- 今非昔比 jīn fēi xī bǐ ㄐㄧㄣ ㄈㄟ ㄒㄧ ㄅㄧˇ gam1 fei1 sik1 bei2 (idiom) things are very different now; times have changed
- 金刚怒目金剛怒目 jīn gāng nù mù ㄐㄧㄣ ㄍㄤ ㄋㄨˋ ㄇㄨˋ gam1 gong1 nou6 muk6 (idiom) to have a face as terrifying as a temple's guardian deity
- 精诚所至精誠所至 jīng chéng suǒ zhì ㄐㄧㄥ ㄔㄥˊ ㄙㄨㄛˇ ㄓˋ zing1 sing4 so2 zi3 no difficulty is insurmountable if one is sincere (idiom)
- 精打细算精打細算 jīng dǎ xì suàn ㄐㄧㄥ ㄉㄚˇ ㄒㄧˋ ㄙㄨㄢˋ zing1 daa2 sai3 syun3 meticulous planning and careful accounting (idiom)
- 精雕细刻精雕細刻 jīng diāo xì kè ㄐㄧㄥ ㄉㄧㄠ ㄒㄧˋ ㄎㄜˋ zing1 diu1 sai3 hak1 lit. fine sculpting (idiom); fig. to work (at sth) with extreme care and precision
- 井底之蛙 jǐng dǐ zhī wā ㄐㄧㄥˇ ㄉㄧˇ ㄓ ㄨㄚ zeng2 dai2 zi1 waa1 lit. a frog at the bottom of a well (idiom); fig. a person of limited outlook and experience
- 敬而远之敬而遠之 jìng ér yuǎn zhī ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄦˊ ㄩㄢˇ ㄓ ging3 ji4 jyun6 zi1 to show respect from a distance (idiom); to remain at a respectful distance
- 惊弓之鸟驚弓之鳥 jīng gōng zhī niǎo ㄐㄧㄥ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄓ ㄋㄧㄠˇ ging1 gung1 zi1 niu5 lit. a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow (idiom); fig. sb who frightens easily, due to past experiences
- 惊慌失措驚慌失措 jīng huāng shī cuò ㄐㄧㄥ ㄏㄨㄤ ㄕ ㄘㄨㄛˋ ging1 fong1 sat1 cou3 to lose one's head out of fear (idiom)
- 惊慌失色驚慌失色 jīng huāng shī sè ㄐㄧㄥ ㄏㄨㄤ ㄕ ㄙㄜˋ ging1 fong1 sat1 sik1 to go pale in panic (idiom)
- 镜花水月鏡花水月 jìng huā shuǐ yuè ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄏㄨㄚ ㄕㄨㄟˇ ㄩㄝˋ geng3 faa1 seoi2 jyut6 lit. flowers in a mirror and the moon reflected in the lake (idiom); fig. an unrealistic rosy view; viewing things through rose-tinted spectacles; also written 水月鏡花|水月镜花
- 兢兢业业兢兢業業 jīng jīng yè yè ㄐㄧㄥ ㄐㄧㄥ ㄧㄝˋ ㄧㄝˋ ging1 ging1 jip6 jip6 (idiom) conscientious; assiduous
- 井井有条井井有條 jǐng jǐng yǒu tiáo ㄐㄧㄥˇ ㄐㄧㄥˇ ㄧㄡˇ ㄊㄧㄠˊ zeng2 zeng2 jau5 tiu4 everything clear and orderly (idiom); neat and tidy
- 经久不息經久不息 jīng jiǔ bù xī ㄐㄧㄥ ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄒㄧ ging1 gau2 bat1 sik1 (idiom) prolonged (applause, cheering etc)
- 荆棘载途荊棘載途 jīng jí zài tú ㄐㄧㄥ ㄐㄧˊ ㄗㄞˋ ㄊㄨˊ ging1 gik1 zoi3 tou4 lit. a path covered in brambles; a course of action beset by difficulties (idiom)
- 惊恐万状驚恐萬狀 jīng kǒng wàn zhuàng ㄐㄧㄥ ㄎㄨㄥˇ ㄨㄢˋ ㄓㄨㄤˋ ging1 hung2 maan6 zong6 convulsed with fear (idiom)
- 敬老尊贤敬老尊賢 jìng lǎo zūn xián ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄌㄠˇ ㄗㄨㄣ ㄒㄧㄢˊ ging3 lou5 zyun1 jin4 to respect the wise and venerate the worthy (idiom); to honor the great and the good
- 精明强干精明強幹 jīng míng qiáng gàn ㄐㄧㄥ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄑㄧㄤˊ ㄍㄢˋ zing1 ming4 koeng4 gon3 intelligent and capable (idiom)
- 矜功不立 jīn gōng bù lì ㄐㄧㄣ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄅㄨˋ ㄌㄧˋ ging1 gung1 bat1 laap6 boasts a lot, but nothing comes of it (idiom)
- 精疲力竭 jīng pí lì jié ㄐㄧㄥ ㄆㄧˊ ㄌㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄝˊ zing1 pei4 lik6 kit3 spirit weary, strength exhausted (idiom); spent; drained; washed out
- 精疲力尽精疲力盡 jīng pí lì jìn ㄐㄧㄥ ㄆㄧˊ ㄌㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄣˋ zing1 pei4 lik6 zeon6 spirit weary, strength exhausted (idiom); spent; drained; washed out
- 径情直遂徑情直遂 jìng qíng zhí suì ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄑㄧㄥˊ ㄓˊ ㄙㄨㄟˋ ging3 cing4 zik6 seoi6 to achieve one's ambitions (idiom)
- 井然有序 jǐng rán yǒu xù ㄐㄧㄥˇ ㄖㄢˊ ㄧㄡˇ ㄒㄩˋ zeng2 jin4 jau5 zeoi6 everything clear and in good order (idiom); neat and tidy
- 敬若神明 jìng ruò shén míng ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄖㄨㄛˋ ㄕㄣˊ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ging3 joek6 san4 ming4 to hold sb in the same regard as one would a god (idiom)
- 精神百倍 jīng shén bǎi bèi ㄐㄧㄥ ㄕㄣˊ ㄅㄞˇ ㄅㄟˋ zing1 san4 baak3 pui5 lit. vitality a hundredfold (idiom); refreshed; one's vigor thoroughly restored
- 精神饱满精神飽滿 jīng shén bǎo mǎn ㄐㄧㄥ ㄕㄣˊ ㄅㄠˇ ㄇㄢˇ zing1 san4 baau2 mun5 full of vigor (idiom); lively; in high spirits
- 精神抖擞精神抖擻 jīng shén dǒu sǒu ㄐㄧㄥ ㄕㄣˊ ㄉㄡˇ ㄙㄡˇ zing1 san4 dau2 sau2 spirit trembling with excitement (idiom); in high spirits; lively and full of enthusiasm; full of energy; con brio
- 精神焕发精神煥發 jīng shén huàn fā ㄐㄧㄥ ㄕㄣˊ ㄏㄨㄢˋ ㄈㄚ zing1 san4 wun6 faat3 in high spirits (idiom); glowing with health and vigor
- 精神恍惚 jīng shén huǎng hū ㄐㄧㄥ ㄕㄣˊ ㄏㄨㄤˇ ㄏㄨ zing1 san4 fong2 fat1 (idiom) absent-minded; in a trance
- 精神满腹精神滿腹 jīng shén mǎn fù ㄐㄧㄥ ㄕㄣˊ ㄇㄢˇ ㄈㄨˋ zing1 san4 mun5 fuk1 full of wisdom (idiom); astute and widely experienced
- 惊天动地驚天動地 jīng tiān dòng dì ㄐㄧㄥ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄉㄨㄥˋ ㄉㄧˋ ging1 tin1 dung6 dei6 (idiom) world-shaking
- 井蛙之见井蛙之見 jǐng wā zhī jiàn ㄐㄧㄥˇ ㄨㄚ ㄓ ㄐㄧㄢˋ zeng2 waa1 zi1 gin3 the view of a frog in a well (idiom); fig. a narrow view
- 泾渭分明涇渭分明 Jīng Wèi fēn míng ㄐㄧㄥ ㄨㄟˋ ㄈㄣ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ging1 wai6 fan1 ming4 as rivers Jing and Wei separate clearly (idiom); to be entirely different
- 精卫填海精衛填海 Jīng wèi tián hǎi ㄐㄧㄥ ㄨㄟˋ ㄊㄧㄢˊ ㄏㄞˇ zing1 wai6 tin4 hoi2 lit. mythical bird Jingwei tries to fill the ocean with stones (idiom); futile ambition; task of Sisyphus; determination in the face of impossible odds
- 惊为天人驚為天人 jīng wéi tiān rén ㄐㄧㄥ ㄨㄟˊ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄖㄣˊ ging1 wai6 tin1 jan4 lit. to be astonished as if beholding a heavenly being (idiom); fig. to be astounded by sb's or sth's extraordinary beauty or excellence
- 敬贤礼士敬賢禮士 jìng xián lǐ shì ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄒㄧㄢˊ ㄌㄧˇ ㄕˋ ging3 jin4 lai5 si6 (idiom) to respect people of virtue and show courtesy to scholars
- 惊心胆颤驚心膽顫 jīng xīn dǎn chàn ㄐㄧㄥ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄉㄢˇ ㄔㄢˋ ging1 sam1 daam2 zin3 frightening; frightened (idiom)
- 惊心动魄驚心動魄 jīng xīn dòng pò ㄐㄧㄥ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄉㄨㄥˋ ㄆㄛˋ ging1 sam1 dung6 paak3 (idiom) heart-stopping; hair-raising; breathtaking
- 净心修身凈心修身 jìng xīn xiū shēn ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄒㄧㄡ ㄕㄣ zing6 sam1 sau1 san1 to have an untroubled heart and behave morally (idiom)
- 惊喜若狂驚喜若狂 jīng xǐ ruò kuáng ㄐㄧㄥ ㄒㄧˇ ㄖㄨㄛˋ ㄎㄨㄤˊ ging1 hei2 joek6 kwong4 pleasantly surprised like mad (idiom); capering madly with joy; to express boundless pleasure
- 敬惜字纸敬惜字紙 jìng xī zì zhǐ ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄒㄧ ㄗˋ ㄓˇ ging3 sik1 zi6 zi2 to treasure written material as a cultural resource (idiom)
- 敬业乐群敬業樂群 jìng yè lè qún ㄐㄧㄥˋ ㄧㄝˋ ㄌㄜˋ ㄑㄩㄣˊ ging3 jip6 lok6 kwan4 diligent and sociable (idiom); meticulous in work and dealing cheerfully with one's colleagues
- 精益求精 jīng yì qiú jīng ㄐㄧㄥ ㄧˋ ㄑㄧㄡˊ ㄐㄧㄥ zing1 jik1 kau4 zing1 (idiom) to constantly seek to improve; to keep perfecting
- 荆榛满目荊榛滿目 jīng zhēn mǎn mù ㄐㄧㄥ ㄓㄣ ㄇㄢˇ ㄇㄨˋ ging1 zeon1 mun5 muk6 thorns and brambles as far as eye can see (idiom); beset by troubles
- 襟怀坦白襟懷坦白 jīn huái tǎn bái ㄐㄧㄣ ㄏㄨㄞˊ ㄊㄢˇ ㄅㄞˊ kam1 waai4 taan2 baak6 open and candid (idiom); not hiding anything; ingenuous; openhearted; unselfish; magnanimous; broad-minded
- 尽欢而散盡歡而散 jìn huān ér sàn ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄏㄨㄢ ㄦˊ ㄙㄢˋ zeon6 fun1 ji4 saan3 to disperse after a happy time (idiom); everyone enjoys themselves to the full then party breaks up
- 积年累月積年累月 jī nián lěi yuè ㄐㄧ ㄋㄧㄢˊ ㄌㄟˇ ㄩㄝˋ zik1 nin4 leoi5 jyut6 year in, year out (idiom); (over) many years
- 津津有味 jīn jīn yǒu wèi ㄐㄧㄣ ㄐㄧㄣ ㄧㄡˇ ㄨㄟˋ zeon1 zeon1 jau5 mei6 with keen interest (idiom); with great pleasure; with gusto; eagerly
- 金兰之交金蘭之交 jīn lán zhī jiāo ㄐㄧㄣ ㄌㄢˊ ㄓ ㄐㄧㄠ gam1 laan4 zi1 gaau1 intimate friendship (idiom)
- 紧锣密鼓緊鑼密鼓 jǐn luó mì gǔ ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄌㄨㄛˊ ㄇㄧˋ ㄍㄨˇ gan2 lo4 mat6 gu2 lit. urgent beating of gongs and drums (idiom); fig. to urgently prepare for an upcoming event
- 金迷纸醉金迷紙醉 jīn mí zhǐ zuì ㄐㄧㄣ ㄇㄧˊ ㄓˇ ㄗㄨㄟˋ gam1 mai4 zi2 zeoi3 lit. dazzling with paper and gold (idiom); fig. indulging in a life of luxury
- 锦囊妙计錦囊妙計 jǐn náng miào jì ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄋㄤˊ ㄇㄧㄠˋ ㄐㄧˋ gam2 nong4 miu6 gai3 brocade sack of miracle plans (idiom); bag of tricks; fiendishly cunning masterplan (written out by strategic genius of fiction, and given to the local commander in a brocade bag)
- 金盆洗手 jīn pén xǐ shǒu ㄐㄧㄣ ㄆㄣˊ ㄒㄧˇ ㄕㄡˇ gam1 pun4 sai2 sau2 lit. to wash one's hands in a gold basin (idiom); fig. to abandon the life of an outlaw
- 筋疲力尽筋疲力盡 jīn pí lì jìn ㄐㄧㄣ ㄆㄧˊ ㄌㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄣˋ gan1 pei4 lik6 zeon6 body weary, strength exhausted (idiom); extremely tired; spent
- 紧迫盯人緊迫盯人 jǐn pò dīng rén ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄆㄛˋ ㄉㄧㄥ ㄖㄣˊ gan2 bik1 deng1 jan4 to keep a close eye on sb (idiom)
- 金钱万能金錢萬能 jīn qián wàn néng ㄐㄧㄣ ㄑㄧㄢˊ ㄨㄢˋ ㄋㄥˊ gam1 cin4 maan6 nang4 money is omnipotent (idiom); with money, you can do anything; money talks
- 尽人皆知盡人皆知 jìn rén jiē zhī ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄖㄣˊ ㄐㄧㄝ ㄓ zeon6 jan4 gaai1 zi1 known by everyone (idiom); well known; a household name
- 噤若寒蝉噤若寒蟬 jìn ruò hán chán ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄖㄨㄛˋ ㄏㄢˊ ㄔㄢˊ gam3 joek6 hon4 sim4 to keep quiet out of fear (idiom)
- 锦上添花錦上添花 jǐn shàng tiān huā ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄕㄤˋ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄏㄨㄚ gam2 soeng6 tim1 faa1 lit. add flowers to brocade (idiom); fig. to give sth additional splendor; to provide the crowning touch; (derog.) to benefit sb who is already well off
- 尽善尽美盡善盡美 jìn shàn jìn měi ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄕㄢˋ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄇㄟˇ zeon6 sin6 zeon6 mei5 perfect (idiom); perfection; the best of all possible worlds; as good as it gets
- 金石良言 jīn shí liáng yán ㄐㄧㄣ ㄕˊ ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄧㄢˊ gam1 sek6 loeng4 jin4 gems of wisdom (idiom); priceless advice
- 尽释前嫌盡釋前嫌 jìn shì qián xián ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄕˋ ㄑㄧㄢˊ ㄒㄧㄢˊ zeon6 sik1 cin4 jim4 to forget former enmity (idiom)
- 金石丝竹金石絲竹 jīn shí sī zhú ㄐㄧㄣ ㄕˊ ㄙ ㄓㄨˊ gam1 sek6 si1 zuk1 lit. (music instruments made of) metal, stone, string, and bamboo (idiom); fig. traditional Chinese music instruments
- 近水楼台近水樓臺 jìn shuǐ lóu tái ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄕㄨㄟˇ ㄌㄡˊ ㄊㄞˊ gan6 seoi2 lau4 toi4 lit. a pavilion near the water (idiom); fig. using one's proximity to the powerful to obtain favor
- 紧随其后緊隨其後 jǐn suí qí hòu ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄙㄨㄟˊ ㄑㄧˊ ㄏㄡˋ gan2 ceoi4 kei4 hau6 to follow closely behind sb or sth (idiom)
- 金童玉女 jīn tóng yù nǚ ㄐㄧㄣ ㄊㄨㄥˊ ㄩˋ ㄋㄩˇ gam1 tung4 juk6 neoi5 lit. golden boys and jade maidens (idiom); attendants of the Daoist immortals; fig. lovely young children; a golden couple; (of a couple who are in the public eye) a lovely young couple
- 进退不得進退不得 jìn tuì bù dé ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄉㄜˊ zeon3 teoi3 bat1 dak1 can't advance or retreat (idiom); no room for maneuver; stalled; in a dilemma; stuck in a difficult position
- 进退两难進退兩難 jìn tuì liǎng nán ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄌㄧㄤˇ ㄋㄢˊ zeon3 teoi3 loeng5 naan4 no room to advance or to retreat (idiom); without any way out of a dilemma; trapped; in an impossible situation
- 进退失据進退失據 jìn tuì shī jù ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄕ ㄐㄩˋ zeon3 teoi3 sat1 geoi3 no room to advance or to retreat (idiom); at a loss; in a hopeless situation
- 进退维谷進退維谷 jìn tuì wéi gǔ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄍㄨˇ zeon3 teoi3 wai4 guk1 no room to advance or to retreat (idiom); without any way out of a dilemma; trapped; in an impossible situation
- 进退为难進退為難 jìn tuì wéi nán ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄋㄢˊ zeon3 teoi3 wai4 naan4 no room to advance or to retreat (idiom); without any way out of a dilemma; trapped; in an impossible situation
- 进退无路進退無路 jìn tuì wú lù ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄨˊ ㄌㄨˋ zeon3 teoi3 mou4 lou6 to have no alternative (idiom)
- 进退有常進退有常 jìn tuì yǒu cháng ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄧㄡˇ ㄔㄤˊ zeon3 teoi3 jau5 soeng4 to advance or retreat, each has its rules (idiom from Zhuangzi); many translations are possible
- 进退中绳進退中繩 jìn tuì zhōng shéng ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄓㄨㄥ ㄕㄥˊ zeon3 teoi3 zung1 sing4 to advance or retreat, each has its rules (idiom from Zhuangzi); many translations are possible
- 进退自如進退自如 jìn tuì zì rú ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄗˋ ㄖㄨˊ zeon3 teoi3 zi6 jyu4 free to come and go (idiom); to have room to maneuver
- 金屋藏娇金屋藏嬌 jīn wū cáng jiāo ㄐㄧㄣ ㄨ ㄘㄤˊ ㄐㄧㄠ gam1 uk1 cong4 giu1 a golden house to keep one's mistress (idiom); a magnificent house built for a beloved woman
- 金无足赤金無足赤 jīn wú zú chì ㄐㄧㄣ ㄨˊ ㄗㄨˊ ㄔˋ gam1 mou4 zuk1 cek3 not all gold is sufficiently red (idiom); no-one is perfect
- 尽心竭力盡心竭力 jìn xīn jié lì ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄌㄧˋ zeon6 sam1 kit3 lik6 to spare no effort (idiom); to do one's utmost
- 尽心尽力盡心盡力 jìn xīn jìn lì ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄌㄧˋ zeon6 sam1 zeon6 lik6 making an all-out effort (idiom); to try one's heart out; to do one's utmost
- 紧咬不放緊咬不放 jǐn yǎo bù fàng ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄧㄠˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄈㄤˋ gan2 ngaau5 bat1 fong3 (idiom) unwilling to let go; like a dog with a bone; dogged
- 紧要关头緊要關頭 jǐn yào guān tóu ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄧㄠˋ ㄍㄨㄢ ㄊㄡˊ gan2 jiu3 gwaan1 tau4 urgent and important moment (idiom); critical juncture
- 锦衣玉食錦衣玉食 jǐn yī yù shí ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄧ ㄩˋ ㄕˊ gam2 ji1 juk6 sik6 brocade garments, jade meals (idiom); a life of luxury; extravagance
- 金玉良言 jīn yù liáng yán ㄐㄧㄣ ㄩˋ ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄧㄢˊ gam1 juk6 loeng4 jin4 gems of wisdom (idiom); priceless advice
- 金玉满堂金玉滿堂 jīn yù mǎn táng ㄐㄧㄣ ㄩˋ ㄇㄢˇ ㄊㄤˊ gam1 juk6 mun5 tong4 lit. gold and jade fill the hall (idiom); fig. abundant wealth; abundance of knowledge
- 近在咫尺 jìn zài zhǐ chǐ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄗㄞˋ ㄓˇ ㄔˇ gan6 zoi6 zi2 cek3 (idiom) very close; almost within reach; close at hand
- 尽职尽责盡職盡責 jìn zhí jìn zé ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄓˊ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄗㄜˊ zeon6 zik1 zeon6 zaak3 responsible and diligent (idiom)
- 金枝玉叶金枝玉葉 jīn zhī yù yè ㄐㄧㄣ ㄓ ㄩˋ ㄧㄝˋ gam1 zi1 juk6 jip6 golden branch, jade leaves (idiom); fig. blue-blooded nobility, esp. imperial kinsmen or peerless beauty
- 近朱近墨 jìn zhū jìn mò ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄓㄨ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄇㄛˋ gan6 zyu1 gan6 mak6 one is judged by the company one keeps (idiom)
- 炯炯有神 jiǒng jiǒng yǒu shén ㄐㄩㄥˇ ㄐㄩㄥˇ ㄧㄡˇ ㄕㄣˊ gwing2 gwing2 jau5 san4 (idiom) (of eyes) bright and full of spirit; shining with vitality and presence
- 鸡犬不留雞犬不留 jī quǎn bù liú ㄐㄧ ㄑㄩㄢˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄌㄧㄡˊ gai1 hyun2 bat1 lau4 lit. not even chickens and dogs are spared (idiom); fig. mass slaughter
- 鸡犬不宁雞犬不寧 jī quǎn bù níng ㄐㄧ ㄑㄩㄢˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄋㄧㄥˊ gai1 hyun2 bat1 ning4 lit. not even the chickens and dogs are left undisturbed (idiom); fig. great commotion; pandemonium
- 鸡犬升天雞犬升天 jī quǎn shēng tiān ㄐㄧ ㄑㄩㄢˇ ㄕㄥ ㄊㄧㄢ gai1 hyun2 sing1 tin1 lit. (when a person attains enlightenment and immortality), even his chickens and dogs will ascend to heaven with him (idiom); fig. (when somebody attains a position of power and influence), their relatives and friends also benefit; (2nd half of the saying 一人得道,雞犬升天|一人得道,鸡犬升天[yi1 ren2 de2 dao4 , ji1 quan3 sheng1 tian1])
- 寄人篱下寄人籬下 jì rén lí xià ㄐㄧˋ ㄖㄣˊ ㄌㄧˊ ㄒㄧㄚˋ gei3 jan4 lei4 haa6 to lodge under another person's roof (idiom); to live relying on sb else's charity
- 急人之难急人之難 jí rén zhī nàn ㄐㄧˊ ㄖㄣˊ ㄓ ㄋㄢˋ gap1 jan4 zi1 naan4 anxious to help others resolve difficulties (idiom)
- 急如星火 jí rú xīng huǒ ㄐㄧˊ ㄖㄨˊ ㄒㄧㄥ ㄏㄨㄛˇ gap1 jyu4 sing1 fo2 lit. as hurried as a shooting star (idiom); requiring immediate action; extremely urgent
- 积少成多積少成多 jī shǎo chéng duō ㄐㄧ ㄕㄠˇ ㄔㄥˊ ㄉㄨㄛ zik1 siu2 sing4 do1 (idiom) many little things add up to sth great; many little drops make an ocean
- 极深研几極深研幾 jí shēn yán jǐ ㄐㄧˊ ㄕㄣ ㄧㄢˊ ㄐㄧˇ gik6 sam1 jin4 gei2 deep and detailed investigation (idiom)
- 及时行乐及時行樂 jí shí xíng lè ㄐㄧˊ ㄕˊ ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄌㄜˋ kap6 si4 hang4 lok6 to enjoy the present (idiom); to live happily with no thought for the future; make merry while you can; carpe diem
- 集思广益集思廣益 jí sī guǎng yì ㄐㄧˊ ㄙ ㄍㄨㄤˇ ㄧˋ zaap6 si1 gwong2 jik1 collecting opinions is of wide benefit (idiom); to pool wisdom for mutual benefit; to profit from widespread suggestions
- 积土成山積土成山 jī tǔ chéng shān ㄐㄧ ㄊㄨˇ ㄔㄥˊ ㄕㄢ zik1 tou2 sing4 saan1 lit. piling up dirt eventually creates a mountain (idiom); fig. success is the cumulation of lots of small actions
- 旧病复发舊病復發 jiù bìng fù fā ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄅㄧㄥˋ ㄈㄨˋ ㄈㄚ gau6 beng6 fuk6 faat3 old illness recurs (idiom); a relapse; fig. to repeat an old error; the same old problem
- 酒池肉林 jiǔ chí ròu lín ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄔˊ ㄖㄡˋ ㄌㄧㄣˊ zau2 ci4 juk6 lam4 lakes of wine and forests of meat (idiom); debauchery; sumptuous entertainment
- 旧愁新恨舊愁新恨 jiù chóu xīn hèn ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄔㄡˊ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄏㄣˋ gau6 sau4 san1 han6 old worries with new hatred added (idiom); afflicted by problems old and new
- 旧调重弹舊調重彈 jiù diào chóng tán ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄉㄧㄠˋ ㄔㄨㄥˊ ㄊㄢˊ gau6 diu6 cung4 taan4 replaying the same old tunes (idiom); conservative, unoriginal and discredited; to keep harping on about the same old stuff
- 旧地重游舊地重遊 jiù dì chóng yóu ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄉㄧˋ ㄔㄨㄥˊ ㄧㄡˊ gau6 dei6 cung4 jau4 (idiom) to return to a place after a long time away
- 就地正法 jiù dì zhèng fǎ ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄉㄧˋ ㄓㄥˋ ㄈㄚˇ zau6 dei6 zing3 faat3 to execute on the spot (idiom); summary execution; to carry out the law on the spot
- 救焚益薪 jiù fén yì xīn ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄈㄣˊ ㄧˋ ㄒㄧㄣ gau3 fan4 jik1 san1 add firewood to put out the flames (idiom); fig. ill-advised action that only makes the problem worse; to add fuel to the fire
- 酒酣耳热酒酣耳熱 jiǔ hān ěr rè ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄏㄢ ㄦˇ ㄖㄜˋ zau2 ham4 ji5 jit6 tipsy and merry (idiom)
- 久经考验久經考驗 jiǔ jīng kǎo yàn ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄐㄧㄥ ㄎㄠˇ ㄧㄢˋ gau2 ging1 haau2 jim6 well tested over a long period of time (idiom); seasoned
- 酒囊饭袋酒囊飯袋 jiǔ náng fàn dài ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄋㄤˊ ㄈㄢˋ ㄉㄞˋ zau2 nong4 faan6 doi2 wine sack, food bag (idiom); useless person, only fit for guzzling and boozing
- 九牛一毛 jiǔ niú yī máo ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄋㄧㄡˊ ㄧ ㄇㄠˊ gau2 ngau4 jat1 mou4 lit. one hair from nine oxen (idiom); fig. a drop in the ocean
- 究其根源 jiū qí gēn yuán ㄐㄧㄡ ㄑㄧˊ ㄍㄣ ㄩㄢˊ gau3 kei4 gan1 jyun4 to trace something to its source (idiom)
- 酒肉朋友 jiǔ ròu péng you ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄖㄡˋ ㄆㄥˊ ˙ㄧㄡ zau2 juk6 pang4 jau5 lit. drinking buddy (idiom); fig. fair-weather friend
- 酒色财气酒色財氣 jiǔ sè cái qì ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄙㄜˋ ㄘㄞˊ ㄑㄧˋ zau2 sik1 coi4 hei3 wine, sex, avarice and temper (idiom); four cardinal vices
- 九死一生 jiǔ sǐ yī shēng ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄙˇ ㄧ ㄕㄥ gau2 sei2 jat1 sang1 nine deaths and still alive (idiom); a narrow escape; new lease of life
- 九天揽月九天攬月 jiǔ tiān lǎn yuè ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄌㄢˇ ㄩㄝˋ gau2 tin1 laam5 jyut6 (idiom) to reach for the stars
- 九霄云外九霄雲外 jiǔ xiāo yún wài ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄒㄧㄠ ㄩㄣˊ ㄨㄞˋ gau2 siu1 wan4 ngoi6 beyond the topmost clouds (idiom); unimaginably far away
- 揪心扒肝 jiū xīn bā gān ㄐㄧㄡ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄅㄚ ㄍㄢ zau1 sam1 paa4 gon1 (idiom) extremely anxious; anguished
- 久仰大名 jiǔ yǎng dà míng ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄧㄤˇ ㄉㄚˋ ㄇㄧㄥˊ gau2 joeng5 daai6 ming4 I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long time (idiom)
- 酒言酒语酒言酒語 jiǔ yán jiǔ yǔ ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄧㄢˊ ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄩˇ zau2 jin4 zau2 jyu5 words spoken under the influence of alcohol (idiom)
- 咎有应得咎有應得 jiù yǒu yīng dé ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄧㄡˇ ㄧㄥ ㄉㄜˊ gau3 jau5 jing1 dak1 (idiom) to deserve what one gets (punishment, mishap etc)
- 咎由自取 jiù yóu zì qǔ ㄐㄧㄡˋ ㄧㄡˊ ㄗˋ ㄑㄩˇ gau3 jau4 zi6 ceoi2 (idiom) to have only oneself to blame; to bring trouble through one's own actions
- 既往不咎 jì wǎng bù jiù ㄐㄧˋ ㄨㄤˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄐㄧㄡˋ gei3 wong5 bat1 gau3 to forget and not bear recriminations (idiom); to let bygones be bygones; There is no point in crying over spilt milk.
- 继往开来繼往開來 jì wǎng kāi lái ㄐㄧˋ ㄨㄤˇ ㄎㄞ ㄌㄞˊ gai3 wong5 hoi1 loi4 to follow the past and herald the future (idiom); part of a historical transition; forming a bridge between earlier and later stages
- 济危扶困濟危扶困 jì wēi fú kùn ㄐㄧˋ ㄨㄟ ㄈㄨˊ ㄎㄨㄣˋ zai3 ngai4 fu4 kwan3 to help people in difficulty and bring relief to the needy (idiom)
- 嫉贤妒能嫉賢妒能 jí xián dù néng ㄐㄧˊ ㄒㄧㄢˊ ㄉㄨˋ ㄋㄥˊ zat6 jin4 dou3 nang4 (idiom) to envy the virtuous and talented
- 积习难改積習難改 jī xí nán gǎi ㄐㄧ ㄒㄧˊ ㄋㄢˊ ㄍㄞˇ zik1 zaap6 naan4 goi2 old habits are hard to change (idiom)
- 集腋成裘 jí yè chéng qiú ㄐㄧˊ ㄧㄝˋ ㄔㄥˊ ㄑㄧㄡˊ zaap6 jik6 sing4 kau4 many hairs make a fur coat (idiom); many small contributions add up to sth big; many a mickle makes a muckle
- 记忆犹新記憶猶新 jì yì yóu xīn ㄐㄧˋ ㄧˋ ㄧㄡˊ ㄒㄧㄣ gei3 jik1 jau4 san1 to remain fresh in one's memory (idiom)
- 积于忽微積於忽微 jī yú hū wēi ㄐㄧ ㄩˊ ㄏㄨ ㄨㄟ zik1 jyu1 fat1 mei4 to accumulate tiny quantities (idiom)
- 急于求成急於求成 jí yú qiú chéng ㄐㄧˊ ㄩˊ ㄑㄧㄡˊ ㄔㄥˊ gap1 jyu1 kau4 sing4 anxious for quick results (idiom); to demand instant success; impatient for result; impetuous
- 积重难返積重難返 jī zhòng nán fǎn ㄐㄧ ㄓㄨㄥˋ ㄋㄢˊ ㄈㄢˇ zik1 cung5 naan4 faan2 ingrained habits are hard to overcome (idiom); bad old practices die hard
- 急转直下急轉直下 jí zhuǎn zhí xià ㄐㄧˊ ㄓㄨㄢˇ ㄓˊ ㄒㄧㄚˋ gap1 zyun2 zik6 haa6 to develop rapidly after abrupt turn (idiom); dramatic change
- 激浊扬清激濁揚清 jī zhuó yáng qīng ㄐㄧ ㄓㄨㄛˊ ㄧㄤˊ ㄑㄧㄥ gik1 zuk6 joeng4 cing1 lit. drain away filth and bring in fresh water (idiom); fig. dispel evil and usher in good; eliminate vice and exalt virtue
- 涓埃之力 juān āi zhī lì ㄐㄩㄢ ㄞ ㄓ ㄌㄧˋ gyun1 oi1 zi1 lik6 negligible force (idiom); tiny force
- 涓滴归公涓滴歸公 juān dī guī gōng ㄐㄩㄢ ㄉㄧ ㄍㄨㄟ ㄍㄨㄥ gyun1 dik6 gwai1 gung1 every drop returns to the public good (idiom); not one penny is misused
- 镌骨铭心鐫骨銘心 juān gǔ míng xīn ㄐㄩㄢ ㄍㄨˇ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄒㄧㄣ zyun1 gwat1 ming5 sam1 etched in one's bones and heart (idiom); ever-present memory (esp. resentment)
- 举案齐眉舉案齊眉 jǔ àn qí méi ㄐㄩˇ ㄢˋ ㄑㄧˊ ㄇㄟˊ geoi2 on3 cai4 mei4 lit. to lift the tray to eyebrow level (idiom); mutual respect in a marriage
- 居安思危 jū ān sī wēi ㄐㄩ ㄢ ㄙ ㄨㄟ geoi1 on1 si1 ngai4 to think of danger in times of safety; to be vigilant in peacetime (idiom)
- 卷土重来卷土重來 juǎn tǔ chóng lái ㄐㄩㄢˇ ㄊㄨˇ ㄔㄨㄥˊ ㄌㄞˊ gyun2 tou2 cung4 loi4 lit. to return in a swirl of dust (idiom); fig. to regroup and come back even stronger; to make a comeback
- 镌心铭骨鐫心銘骨 juān xīn míng gǔ ㄐㄩㄢ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄍㄨˇ zyun1 sam1 ming5 gwat1 etched in one's bones and heart (idiom); ever-present memory (esp. resentment)
- 举不胜举舉不勝舉 jǔ bù shèng jǔ ㄐㄩˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄕㄥˋ ㄐㄩˇ geoi2 bat1 sing1 geoi2 too numerous to list (idiom); innumerable
- 举步维艰舉步維艱 jǔ bù wéi jiān ㄐㄩˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄐㄧㄢ geoi2 bou6 wai4 gaan1 to make progress only with great difficulty (idiom)
- 局促一隅 jú cù yī yú ㄐㄩˊ ㄘㄨˋ ㄧ ㄩˊ guk6 cuk1 jat1 jyu4 to be cramped in a corner (idiom)
- 绝处逢生絕處逢生 jué chù féng shēng ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄔㄨˋ ㄈㄥˊ ㄕㄥ zyut6 cyu2 fung4 saang1 (idiom) to find a way to survive when everything seems hopeless
- 绝代佳人絕代佳人 jué dài jiā rén ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄉㄞˋ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄖㄣˊ zyut6 doi6 gaai1 jan4 beauty unmatched in her generation (idiom); woman of peerless elegance; prettiest girl ever
- 崛地而起 jué dì ér qǐ ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄉㄧˋ ㄦˊ ㄑㄧˇ gwat6 dei6 ji4 hei2 lit. arising suddenly above the level ground (idiom); sudden emergence of prominent new feature
- 厥功至伟厥功至偉 jué gōng zhì wěi ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄓˋ ㄨㄟˇ kyut3 gung1 zi3 wai5 (idiom) to have made significant contributions to a project or cause
- 绝口不提絕口不提 jué kǒu bù tí ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄎㄡˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄊㄧˊ zyut6 hau2 bat1 tai4 (idiom) to avoid mentioning
- 掘墓鞭尸掘墓鞭屍 jué mù biān shī ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄇㄨˋ ㄅㄧㄢ ㄕ gwat6 mou6 bin1 si1 to exhume a body for public flogging (idiom)
- 决胜千里決勝千里 jué shèng qiān lǐ ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄕㄥˋ ㄑㄧㄢ ㄌㄧˇ kyut3 sing3 cin1 lei5 to be able to plan victory from a thousand miles away (idiom)
- 绝世佳人絕世佳人 jué shì jiā rén ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄕˋ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄖㄣˊ zyut6 sai3 gaai1 jan4 a woman of unmatched beauty (idiom)
- 绝无仅有絕無僅有 jué wú jǐn yǒu ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄨˊ ㄐㄧㄣˇ ㄧㄡˇ zyut6 mou4 gan2 jau5 one and only (idiom); rarely seen; unique of its kind
- 居高临下居高臨下 jū gāo lín xià ㄐㄩ ㄍㄠ ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄒㄧㄚˋ geoi1 gou1 lam4 haa6 lit. to be in a high location, overlooking the scene below (idiom); fig. to occupy a commanding position; to assume a haughty attitude
- 鞠躬尽瘁鞠躬盡瘁 jū gōng jìn cuì ㄐㄩ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄘㄨㄟˋ guk1 gung1 zeon6 seoi6 to bend to a task and spare no effort (idiom); striving to the utmost
- 鞠躬尽力鞠躬盡力 jū gōng jìn lì ㄐㄩ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄌㄧˋ guk1 gung1 zeon6 lik6 to bend to a task and spare no effort (idiom); striving to the utmost; same as 鞠躬盡瘁|鞠躬尽瘁[ju1 gong1 jin4 cui4]
- 居功自傲 jū gōng zì ào ㄐㄩ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄗˋ ㄠˋ geoi1 gung1 zi6 ngou6 satisfied with one's accomplishment and arrogant as a result (idiom); resting on one's laurels and despising others
- 聚精会神聚精會神 jù jīng huì shén ㄐㄩˋ ㄐㄧㄥ ㄏㄨㄟˋ ㄕㄣˊ zeoi6 zing1 wui6 san4 to concentrate one's attention (idiom)
- 踽踽独行踽踽獨行 jǔ jǔ dú xíng ㄐㄩˇ ㄐㄩˇ ㄉㄨˊ ㄒㄧㄥˊ geoi2 geoi2 duk6 hang4 to walk alone (idiom)
- 举目无亲舉目無親 jǔ mù wú qīn ㄐㄩˇ ㄇㄨˋ ㄨˊ ㄑㄧㄣ geoi2 muk6 mou4 can1 to look up and see no-one familiar (idiom); not having anyone to rely on; without a friend in the world
- 军令如山軍令如山 jūn lìng rú shān ㄐㄩㄣ ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄖㄨˊ ㄕㄢ gwan1 ling6 jyu4 saan1 military orders are like mountains (idiom); a military order must be obeyed
- 君子之交 jūn zǐ zhī jiāo ㄐㄩㄣ ㄗˇ ㄓ ㄐㄧㄠ gwan1 zi2 zi1 gaau1 friendship between gentlemen, insipid as water (idiom, from Zhuangzi 莊子|庄子[Zhuang1 zi3])
- 举棋不定舉棋不定 jǔ qí bù dìng ㄐㄩˇ ㄑㄧˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄉㄧㄥˋ geoi2 kei4 bat1 ding6 to hesitate over what move to make (idiom); to waver; to shilly-shally
- 聚沙成塔 jù shā chéng tǎ ㄐㄩˋ ㄕㄚ ㄔㄥˊ ㄊㄚˇ zeoi6 saa1 sing4 taap3 lit. many sand grains accumulate to form a tower (idiom); fig. many little things add up to sth great
- 举世闻名舉世聞名 jǔ shì wén míng ㄐㄩˇ ㄕˋ ㄨㄣˊ ㄇㄧㄥˊ geoi2 sai3 man6 ming4 world-famous (idiom)
- 举世无双舉世無雙 jǔ shì wú shuāng ㄐㄩˇ ㄕˋ ㄨˊ ㄕㄨㄤ geoi2 sai3 mou4 soeng1 unrivaled (idiom); world number one; unique; unequaled
- 举手投足舉手投足 jǔ shǒu tóu zú ㄐㄩˇ ㄕㄡˇ ㄊㄡˊ ㄗㄨˊ geoi2 sau2 tau4 zuk1 one's every movement (idiom); comportment; gestures
- 举手之劳舉手之勞 jǔ shǒu zhī láo ㄐㄩˇ ㄕㄡˇ ㄓ ㄌㄠˊ geoi2 sau2 zi1 lou4 lit. the exertion of lifting one's hand (idiom); fig. a very slight effort
- 聚讼纷纭聚訟紛紜 jù sòng fēn yún ㄐㄩˋ ㄙㄨㄥˋ ㄈㄣ ㄩㄣˊ zeoi6 zung6 fan1 wan4 (of a body of people) to offer all kinds of different opinions (idiom); to argue endlessly
- 据为己有據為己有 jù wéi jǐ yǒu ㄐㄩˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄐㄧˇ ㄧㄡˇ geoi3 wai4 gei2 jau5 (idiom) to illegally take possession of; to appropriate
- 居无定所居無定所 jū wú dìng suǒ ㄐㄩ ㄨˊ ㄉㄧㄥˋ ㄙㄨㄛˇ geoi1 mou4 ding6 so2 to be without a fixed residence (idiom)
- 居心不良 jū xīn bù liáng ㄐㄩ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄅㄨˋ ㄌㄧㄤˊ geoi1 sam1 bat1 loeng4 to harbor evil intentions (idiom)
- 居心叵测居心叵測 jū xīn pǒ cè ㄐㄩ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄆㄛˇ ㄘㄜˋ geoi1 sam1 po2 caak1 harboring unfathomable motives (idiom)
- 举一反三舉一反三 jǔ yī fǎn sān ㄐㄩˇ ㄧ ㄈㄢˇ ㄙㄢ geoi2 jat1 faan2 saam1 to raise one and infer three; to deduce many things from one case (idiom)
- 聚萤映雪聚螢映雪 jù yíng yìng xuě ㄐㄩˋ ㄧㄥˊ ㄧㄥˋ ㄒㄩㄝˇ zeoi6 jing4 jing2 syut3 lit. to collect fireflies and study by their light (idiom); fig. ambitious student from impoverished background; burning the midnight oil
- 举足轻重舉足輕重 jǔ zú qīng zhòng ㄐㄩˇ ㄗㄨˊ ㄑㄧㄥ ㄓㄨㄥˋ geoi2 zuk1 hing1 cung5 to play a critical role (idiom); influential