Chengyu — L 232 idioms

• 来鸿去燕來鴻去燕 lái hóng qù yàn ㄌㄞˊ ㄏㄨㄥˊ ㄑㄩˋ ㄧㄢˋ loi4 hung4 heoi3 jin3 lit. the goose comes, the swallow goes (idiom); fig. always on the move +
• 来历不明來歷不明 lái lì bù míng ㄌㄞˊ ㄌㄧˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄇㄧㄥˊ loi4 lik6 bat1 ming4 (idiom) of unknown origin; of dubious background +
• 来龙去脉來龍去脈 lái lóng qù mài ㄌㄞˊ ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄑㄩˋ ㄇㄞˋ loi4 lung4 heoi3 mak6 (lit.) the rise and fall of the terrain (idiom); (fig.) the whole sequence of events; causes and effects +
• 来去无踪來去無蹤 lái qù wú zōng ㄌㄞˊ ㄑㄩˋ ㄨˊ ㄗㄨㄥ loi4 heoi3 mou4 zung1 come without a shadow, leave without a footprint (idiom); to come and leave without a trace +
• 来日方长來日方長 lái rì fāng cháng ㄌㄞˊ ㄖˋ ㄈㄤ ㄔㄤˊ loi4 jat6 fong1 coeng4 the future is long (idiom); there will be ample time for that later; We'll cross that bridge when we get there +
• 来者不拒來者不拒 lái zhě bù jù ㄌㄞˊ ㄓㄜˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄐㄩˋ loi4 ze2 bat1 keoi5 to refuse nobody (idiom); all comers welcome +
• 来之不易來之不易 lái zhī bù yì ㄌㄞˊ ㄓ ㄅㄨˋ ㄧˋ loi4 zi1 bat1 ji6 (idiom) hard to come by; not easily obtained +
• 来踪去迹來蹤去跡 lái zōng qù jì ㄌㄞˊ ㄗㄨㄥ ㄑㄩˋ ㄐㄧˋ loi4 zung1 heoi3 zik1 (lit.) the traces of a person's movements (idiom); (fig.) sb's history; the ins and out of a matter +
• 兰艾同焚蘭艾同焚 lán ài tóng fén ㄌㄢˊ ㄞˋ ㄊㄨㄥˊ ㄈㄣˊ laan4 ngaai6 tung4 fan4 lit. to burn both fragrant orchids and stinking weeds (idiom); fig. to destroy indiscriminately the noble and common; the rain falls on the just and unjust alike +
• 狼狈为奸狼狽為奸 láng bèi wéi jiān ㄌㄤˊ ㄅㄟˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄐㄧㄢ long4 bui3 wai4 gaan1 villains collude together (idiom); to work hand in glove with sb (to nefarious ends) +
• 狼奔豕突 láng bēn shǐ tū ㄌㄤˊ ㄅㄣ ㄕˇ ㄊㄨ long4 ban1 ci2 dat6 the wolf runs and the wild boar rushes (idiom); crowds of evil-doers mill around like wild beasts +
• 狼虫虎豹狼蟲虎豹 láng chóng hǔ bào ㄌㄤˊ ㄔㄨㄥˊ ㄏㄨˇ ㄅㄠˋ long4 cung4 fu2 paau3 (idiom) ferocious beasts +
• 锒铛入狱鋃鐺入獄 láng dāng rù yù ㄌㄤˊ ㄉㄤ ㄖㄨˋ ㄩˋ long4 dong1 jap6 juk6 lit. to get shackled and thrown in jail (idiom); fig. to be put behind bars; to get jailed +
• 浪得虚名浪得虛名 làng dé xū míng ㄌㄤˋ ㄉㄜˊ ㄒㄩ ㄇㄧㄥˊ long6 dak1 heoi1 ming4 to have an undeserved reputation (idiom) +
• 浪迹天涯浪跡天涯 làng jì tiān yá ㄌㄤˋ ㄐㄧˋ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄧㄚˊ long6 zik1 tin1 ngaai4 to roam far and wide (idiom); to travel the world +
• 狼吞虎咽狼吞虎嚥 láng tūn hǔ yàn ㄌㄤˊ ㄊㄨㄣ ㄏㄨˇ ㄧㄢˋ long4 tan1 fu2 jin3 to wolf down one's food (idiom); to devour ravenously; to gorge oneself +
• 狼心狗肺 láng xīn gǒu fèi ㄌㄤˊ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄍㄡˇ ㄈㄟˋ long4 sam1 gau2 fai3 lit. heart of wolf and lungs of dog (idiom); cruel and unscrupulous +
• 狼烟四起狼煙四起 láng yān sì qǐ ㄌㄤˊ ㄧㄢ ㄙˋ ㄑㄧˇ long4 jin1 sei3 hei2 fire beacons on all sides (idiom); enveloped in the flames of war +
• 浪子回头浪子回頭 làng zǐ huí tóu ㄌㄤˋ ㄗˇ ㄏㄨㄟˊ ㄊㄡˊ long6 zi2 wui4 tau4 the return of a prodigal son (idiom) +
• 狼子野心 láng zǐ yě xīn ㄌㄤˊ ㄗˇ ㄧㄝˇ ㄒㄧㄣ long4 zi2 je5 sam1 ambition of wild wolves (idiom); rapacious designs +
• 揽辔澄清攬轡澄清 lǎn pèi chéng qīng ㄌㄢˇ ㄆㄟˋ ㄔㄥˊ ㄑㄧㄥ laam5 bei3 cing4 cing1 to assume one's post with the aspiration of bringing about peace and order to the nation (idiom) +
• 滥杀无辜濫殺無辜 làn shā wú gū ㄌㄢˋ ㄕㄚ ㄨˊ ㄍㄨ laam6 saat3 mou4 gu1 willfully slaughter the innocent (idiom) +
• 蓝田种玉藍田種玉 lán tián zhòng yù ㄌㄢˊ ㄊㄧㄢˊ ㄓㄨㄥˋ ㄩˋ laam4 tin4 zung3 juk6 a marriage made in heaven (idiom) +
• 滥竽充数濫竽充數 làn yú chōng shù ㄌㄢˋ ㄩˊ ㄔㄨㄥ ㄕㄨˋ laam6 jyu4 cung1 sou3 lit. to play the yu 竽 mouth organ to make up numbers (idiom); fig. to make up the numbers with inferior products; to masquerade as having an ability; token member of a group +
• 烂醉如泥爛醉如泥 làn zuì rú ní ㄌㄢˋ ㄗㄨㄟˋ ㄖㄨˊ ㄋㄧˊ laan6 zeoi3 jyu4 nai4 (idiom) to be dead drunk; to be plastered +
• 老蚌生珠 lǎo bàng shēng zhū ㄌㄠˇ ㄅㄤˋ ㄕㄥ ㄓㄨ lou5 pong5 saang1 zyu1 lit. an old oyster producing a pearl (idiom); fig. birthing a son at an advanced age +
• 牢不可破 láo bù kě pò ㄌㄠˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄎㄜˇ ㄆㄛˋ lou4 bat1 ho2 po3 (idiom) (usu. of sth abstract: an alliance, a conviction etc) unbreakable; rock-solid +
• 老大不小 lǎo dà bù xiǎo ㄌㄠˇ ㄉㄚˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄒㄧㄠˇ lou5 daai6 bat1 siu2 no longer a child (idiom) +
• 老当益壮老當益壯 lǎo dāng yì zhuàng ㄌㄠˇ ㄉㄤ ㄧˋ ㄓㄨㄤˋ lou5 dong1 jik1 zong3 old but vigorous (idiom); hale and hearty despite the years +
• 老调重弹老調重彈 lǎo diào chóng tán ㄌㄠˇ ㄉㄧㄠˋ ㄔㄨㄥˊ ㄊㄢˊ lou5 diu6 cung4 taan4 to play the same old tune (idiom); unoriginal +
• 老夫少妻 lǎo fū shào qī ㄌㄠˇ ㄈㄨ ㄕㄠˋ ㄑㄧ lou5 fu1 siu3 cai1 (idiom) older husband and much younger wife +
• 老骥伏枥老驥伏櫪 lǎo jì fú lì ㄌㄠˇ ㄐㄧˋ ㄈㄨˊ ㄌㄧˋ lou5 kei3 fuk6 lik1 lit. an old steed in the stable still aspires to gallop 1000 miles (idiom); fig. aged person with great aspirations +
• 老骥嘶风老驥嘶風 lǎo jì sī fēng ㄌㄠˇ ㄐㄧˋ ㄙ ㄈㄥ lou5 kei3 sai1 fung1 old steed sniffs the wind (idiom); fig. aged person with great aspirations +
• 老马恋栈老馬戀棧 lǎo mǎ liàn zhàn ㄌㄠˇ ㄇㄚˇ ㄌㄧㄢˋ ㄓㄢˋ lou5 maa5 lyun2 zaan6 lit. the old horse loves his stable; fig. sb old but reluctant to relinquish their post (idiom) +
• 老马识途老馬識途 lǎo mǎ shí tú ㄌㄠˇ ㄇㄚˇ ㄕˊ ㄊㄨˊ lou5 maa5 sik1 tou4 an old horse knows the way (idiom); an experienced worker knows what to do; an old hand knows the ropes +
• 老马嘶风老馬嘶風 lǎo mǎ sī fēng ㄌㄠˇ ㄇㄚˇ ㄙ ㄈㄥ lou5 maa5 sai1 fung1 old horse sniffs the wind (idiom); fig. aged person with great aspirations +
• 劳民伤财勞民傷財 láo mín shāng cái ㄌㄠˊ ㄇㄧㄣˊ ㄕㄤ ㄘㄞˊ lou4 man4 soeng1 coi4 (idiom) to waste both manpower and resources +
• 老谋深算老謀深算 lǎo móu shēn suàn ㄌㄠˇ ㄇㄡˊ ㄕㄣ ㄙㄨㄢˋ lou5 mau4 sam1 syun3 rigorous schemes and deep foresight (idiom); astute and circumspect +
• 老牛破车老牛破車 lǎo niú pò chē ㄌㄠˇ ㄋㄧㄡˊ ㄆㄛˋ ㄔㄜ lou5 ngau4 po3 ce1 lit. old ox pulling a shabby cart (idiom); fig. slow and inefficient +
• 老牛舐犊老牛舐犢 lǎo niú shì dú ㄌㄠˇ ㄋㄧㄡˊ ㄕˋ ㄉㄨˊ lou5 ngau4 saai5 duk6 lit. an old ox licking its calf (idiom); fig. (of parents) to dote on one's children +
• 老气横秋老氣橫秋 lǎo qì héng qiū ㄌㄠˇ ㄑㄧˋ ㄏㄥˊ ㄑㄧㄡ lou5 hei3 waang4 cau1 old and decrepit; proud of one's age and experience (idiom) +
• 老生常谈老生常談 lǎo shēng cháng tán ㄌㄠˇ ㄕㄥ ㄔㄤˊ ㄊㄢˊ lou5 saang1 soeng4 taam4 an old observation (idiom); a truism; banal comments +
• 老态龙钟老態龍鍾 lǎo tài lóng zhōng ㄌㄠˇ ㄊㄞˋ ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄓㄨㄥ lou5 taai3 lung4 zung1 (idiom) doddering; senile +
• 劳燕分飞勞燕分飛 láo yàn fēn fēi ㄌㄠˊ ㄧㄢˋ ㄈㄣ ㄈㄟ lou4 jin3 fan1 fei1 the shrike and the swallow fly in different directions (idiom); (usually of a couple) to part from each other +
• 老眼昏花 lǎo yǎn hūn huā ㄌㄠˇ ㄧㄢˇ ㄏㄨㄣ ㄏㄨㄚ lou5 ngaan5 fan1 faa1 blurred vision of an old person (idiom) +
• 劳逸结合勞逸結合 láo yì jié hé ㄌㄠˊ ㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄏㄜˊ lou4 jat6 git3 hap6 to strike a balance between work and rest (idiom) +
• 老于世故老於世故 lǎo yú shì gù ㄌㄠˇ ㄩˊ ㄕˋ ㄍㄨˋ lou5 jyu1 sai3 gu3 experienced in the ways of the world (idiom); worldly-wise; sophisticated +
• 乐不可极樂不可極 lè bù kě jí ㄌㄜˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄎㄜˇ ㄐㄧˊ lok6 bat1 ho2 gik6 (idiom) one should not overindulge in pleasure +
• 乐不可支樂不可支 lè bù kě zhī ㄌㄜˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄎㄜˇ ㄓ lok6 bat1 ho2 zi1 overjoyed (idiom); as pleased as punch +
• 乐不思蜀樂不思蜀 lè bù sī Shǔ ㄌㄜˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄙ ㄕㄨˇ lok6 bat1 si1 suk6 indulge in pleasure and forget home and duty (idiom) +
• 乐昌破镜樂昌破鏡 Lè chāng pò jìng ㄌㄜˋ ㄔㄤ ㄆㄛˋ ㄐㄧㄥˋ lok6 coeng1 po3 geng3 (lit.) the story of the broken mirror of Princess Lechang 樂昌公主|乐昌公主[Le4 chang1 Gong1 zhu3] (In the tale, the princess and her husband, fearing separation during the turbulence of war, broke a bronze mirror in half. They each kept one half as a token, with the promise to reunite by matching the pieces together. They were indeed separated, but eventually reunited, with the mirror playing a crucial role in their reunion.) (idiom); (fig.) the reunion of separated lovers or the restoration of a relationship +
• 乐此不疲樂此不疲 lè cǐ bù pí ㄌㄜˋ ㄘˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄆㄧˊ lok6 ci2 bat1 pei4 (idiom) to enjoy sth and never tire of it +
• 雷打不动雷打不動 léi dǎ bù dòng ㄌㄟˊ ㄉㄚˇ ㄅㄨˋ ㄉㄨㄥˋ leoi4 daa2 bat1 dung6 not shaken by thunder (idiom); the arrangements are unalterable; to adhere rigidly to regulations; will go ahead whatever happens (of an arrangement or plan) +
• 擂鼓鸣金擂鼓鳴金 léi gǔ míng jīn ㄌㄟˊ ㄍㄨˇ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ㄐㄧㄣ leoi4 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 +
• 雷厉风行雷厲風行 léi lì fēng xíng ㄌㄟˊ ㄌㄧˋ ㄈㄥ ㄒㄧㄥˊ leoi4 lai6 fung1 hang4 pass like thunder and move like the wind (idiom); swift and decisive reaction +
• 泪流满面淚流滿面 lèi liú mǎn miàn ㄌㄟˋ ㄌㄧㄡˊ ㄇㄢˇ ㄇㄧㄢˋ leoi6 lau4 mun5 min6 cheeks streaming with tears (idiom) +
• 磊落大方 lěi luò dà fāng ㄌㄟˇ ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄉㄚˋ ㄈㄤ leoi5 lok6 daai6 fong1 to be generous in the extreme (idiom) +
• 泪如雨下淚如雨下 lèi rú yǔ xià ㄌㄟˋ ㄖㄨˊ ㄩˇ ㄒㄧㄚˋ leoi6 jyu4 jyu5 haa6 tears falling like rain (idiom) +
• 泪水涟涟淚水漣漣 lèi shuǐ lián lián ㄌㄟˋ ㄕㄨㄟˇ ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄌㄧㄢˊ leoi6 seoi2 lin4 lin4 in floods of tears (idiom) +
• 泪眼婆娑淚眼婆娑 lèi yǎn pó suō ㄌㄟˋ ㄧㄢˇ ㄆㄛˊ ㄙㄨㄛ leoi6 ngaan5 po4 so1 tearful (idiom) +
• 乐极生悲樂極生悲 lè jí shēng bēi ㄌㄜˋ ㄐㄧˊ ㄕㄥ ㄅㄟ lok6 gik6 sang1 bei1 extreme joy turns to sorrow (idiom); Don't celebrate too soon, things could still go wrong! +
• 冷嘲热讽冷嘲熱諷 lěng cháo rè fěng ㄌㄥˇ ㄔㄠˊ ㄖㄜˋ ㄈㄥˇ laang5 zaau1 jit6 fung3 frigid irony and scorching satire (idiom); to mock and ridicule +
• 冷若冰霜 lěng ruò bīng shuāng ㄌㄥˇ ㄖㄨㄛˋ ㄅㄧㄥ ㄕㄨㄤ laang5 joek6 bing1 soeng1 as cold as ice and frost (idiom, usually of woman); icy manner; frigid +
• 冷言冷语冷言冷語 lěng yán lěng yǔ ㄌㄥˇ ㄧㄢˊ ㄌㄥˇ ㄩˇ laang5 jin4 laang5 jyu5 sarcastic comments (idiom); to make sarcastic comments +
• 冷眼旁观冷眼旁觀 lěng yǎn páng guān ㄌㄥˇ ㄧㄢˇ ㄆㄤˊ ㄍㄨㄢ laang5 ngaan5 pong4 gun1 (idiom) to observe with an indifferent attitude; to be a bystander (usually referring to someone who could get involved but chooses not to) +
• 冷语冰人冷語冰人 lěng yǔ bīng rén ㄌㄥˇ ㄩˇ ㄅㄧㄥ ㄖㄣˊ laang5 jyu5 bing1 jan4 to offend people with unkind remarks (idiom) +
• 乐于助人樂於助人 lè yú zhù rén ㄌㄜˋ ㄩˊ ㄓㄨˋ ㄖㄣˊ lok6 jyu1 zo6 jan4 (idiom) willing to help others +
• 乐在其中樂在其中 lè zài qí zhōng ㄌㄜˋ ㄗㄞˋ ㄑㄧˊ ㄓㄨㄥ lok6 zoi6 kei4 zung1 to take pleasure in sth (idiom) +
• 连镳并轸連鑣並軫 lián biāo bìng zhěn ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄅㄧㄠ ㄅㄧㄥˋ ㄓㄣˇ lin4 biu1 bing6 zan2 lit. reins together and carriages level (idiom); keeping exactly abreast of one another; running neck and neck +
• 脸都绿了臉都綠了 liǎn dōu lǜ le ㄌㄧㄢˇ ㄉㄡ ㄌㄩˋ ˙ㄌㄜ lim5 dou1 luk6 liu5 green in the face (idiom); to look unwell +
• 两败俱伤兩敗俱傷 liǎng bài jù shāng ㄌㄧㄤˇ ㄅㄞˋ ㄐㄩˋ ㄕㄤ loeng5 baai6 keoi1 soeng1 both sides suffer (idiom); neither side wins +
• 两鬓斑白兩鬢斑白 liǎng bìn bān bái ㄌㄧㄤˇ ㄅㄧㄣˋ ㄅㄢ ㄅㄞˊ loeng5 ban3 baan1 baak6 (idiom) to have gray hair at the temples +
• 量才录用量才錄用 liàng cái lù yòng ㄌㄧㄤˋ ㄘㄞˊ ㄌㄨˋ ㄩㄥˋ loeng6 coi4 luk6 jung6 to assess sb's capabilities and employ him accordingly (idiom); to employ sb competent for the task +
• 良辰吉日 liáng chén jí rì ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄔㄣˊ ㄐㄧˊ ㄖˋ loeng4 san4 gat1 jat6 fine time, lucky day (idiom); fig. good opportunity +
• 良辰美景 liáng chén měi jǐng ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄔㄣˊ ㄇㄟˇ ㄐㄧㄥˇ loeng4 san4 mei5 ging2 fine time, beautiful scenery (idiom); everything lovely +
• 良工心苦 liáng gōng xīn kǔ ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄎㄨˇ loeng4 gung1 sam1 fu2 expert craft from hard practice (idiom); hard-won skill; A masterpiece demands suffering. +
• 两虎相争兩虎相爭 liǎng hǔ xiāng zhēng ㄌㄧㄤˇ ㄏㄨˇ ㄒㄧㄤ ㄓㄥ loeng5 fu2 soeng1 zang1 (lit.) two tigers fighting (idiom); (fig.) fierce contest between evenly matched adversaries +
• 两肋插刀兩肋插刀 liǎng lèi chā dāo ㄌㄧㄤˇ ㄌㄟˋ ㄔㄚ ㄉㄠ loeng5 lak6 caap3 dou1 (lit.) to take knives in both sides (idiom); (fig.) to go to any lengths for a friend; to sacrifice oneself out of loyalty +
• 量力而行 liàng lì ér xíng ㄌㄧㄤˋ ㄌㄧˋ ㄦˊ ㄒㄧㄥˊ loeng6 lik6 ji4 hang4 to assess one's capabilities and act accordingly (idiom); to act within one's competence; One does what one can. +
• 两面三刀兩面三刀 liǎng miàn sān dāo ㄌㄧㄤˇ ㄇㄧㄢˋ ㄙㄢ ㄉㄠ loeng5 min6 saam1 dou1 two-faced, three knives (idiom); double-cross; double dealing and back stabbing +
• 两全其美兩全其美 liǎng quán qí měi ㄌㄧㄤˇ ㄑㄩㄢˊ ㄑㄧˊ ㄇㄟˇ loeng5 cyun4 kei4 mei5 to satisfy rival demands (idiom); to get the best of both worlds; to have it both ways; to have one's cake and eat it too +
• 量入为出量入為出 liàng rù wéi chū ㄌㄧㄤˋ ㄖㄨˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄔㄨ loeng6 jap6 wai4 ceot1 to assess one's income and spend accordingly (idiom); to live within one's means; You can only spend what you earn. +
• 良师益友良師益友 liáng shī yì yǒu ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄕ ㄧˋ ㄧㄡˇ loeng4 si1 jik1 jau5 good teacher and helpful friend (idiom); mentor +
• 两手空空兩手空空 liǎng shǒu kōng kōng ㄌㄧㄤˇ ㄕㄡˇ ㄎㄨㄥ ㄎㄨㄥ loeng5 sau2 hung1 hung1 empty-handed (idiom); fig. not receiving anything +
• 量体裁衣量體裁衣 liàng tǐ cái yī ㄌㄧㄤˋ ㄊㄧˇ ㄘㄞˊ ㄧ loeng4 tai2 coi4 ji1 (lit.) to cut cloth according to the body (idiom); (fig.) to act according to actual circumstances +
• 连滚带爬連滾帶爬 lián gǔn dài pá ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄍㄨㄣˇ ㄉㄞˋ ㄆㄚˊ lin4 gwan2 daai3 paa4 (idiom) stumbling and crawling; scrambling; frantically trying to escape +
• 良宵美景 liáng xiāo měi jǐng ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄒㄧㄠ ㄇㄟˇ ㄐㄧㄥˇ loeng4 siu1 mei5 ging2 fine evening, beautiful scenery (idiom) +
• 良心发现良心發現 liáng xīn fā xiàn ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄈㄚ ㄒㄧㄢˋ loeng4 sam1 faat3 jin6 (idiom) to develop a conscience about sth after previously being unconcerned (usu. resulting in feeling remorse or making amends) +
• 良心喂狗 liáng xīn wèi gǒu ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄨㄟˋ ㄍㄡˇ loeng4 sam1 wai3 gau2 to have fed one's conscience to the dogs (idiom); devoid of conscience +
• 两袖清风兩袖清風 liǎng xiù qīng fēng ㄌㄧㄤˇ ㄒㄧㄡˋ ㄑㄧㄥ ㄈㄥ loeng5 zau6 cing1 fung1 lit. both sleeves flowing in the breeze (idiom); having clean hands; uncorrupted; unsoiled by corrupt practices +
• 良药苦口良藥苦口 liáng yào kǔ kǒu ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄧㄠˋ ㄎㄨˇ ㄎㄡˇ loeng4 joek6 fu2 hau2 good medicine tastes bitter (idiom); fig. frank criticism is hard to swallow +
• 良知良能 liáng zhī liáng néng ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄓ ㄌㄧㄤˊ ㄋㄥˊ loeng4 zi1 loeng4 nang4 instinctive understanding, esp. of ethical issues (idiom); untrained, but with an inborn sense of right and wrong; innate moral sense +
• 脸红筋暴臉紅筋暴 liǎn hóng jīn bào ㄌㄧㄢˇ ㄏㄨㄥˊ ㄐㄧㄣ ㄅㄠˋ lim5 hung4 gan1 bou6 red and tense with anger (idiom) +
• 脸红筋涨臉紅筋漲 liǎn hóng jīn zhǎng ㄌㄧㄢˇ ㄏㄨㄥˊ ㄐㄧㄣ ㄓㄤˇ lim5 hung4 gan1 zoeng3 red and tense with anger (idiom) +
• 连绵不绝連綿不絕 lián mián bù jué ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄇㄧㄢˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄐㄩㄝˊ lin4 min4 bat1 zyut6 (idiom) continuous; unending +
• 连篇累牍連篇累牘 lián piān lěi dú ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄆㄧㄢ ㄌㄟˇ ㄉㄨˊ lin4 pin1 leoi5 duk6 (of a piece of writing) long and tedious (idiom); verbose +
• 连三并四連三併四 lián sān bìng sì ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄙㄢ ㄅㄧㄥˋ ㄙˋ lin4 saam1 bing3 sei3 one after the other; in succession (idiom) +
• 脸上贴金臉上貼金 liǎn shàng tiē jīn ㄌㄧㄢˇ ㄕㄤˋ ㄊㄧㄝ ㄐㄧㄣ lim5 soeng5 tip3 gam1 (lit.) to apply gold leaf to the face of a statue (idiom); (fig.) to talk up; to extol the virtues of (oneself or sb else) +
• 连锁反应連鎖反應 lián suǒ fǎn yìng ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄙㄨㄛˇ ㄈㄢˇ ㄧㄥˋ lin4 so2 faan2 jing3 (physics) chain reaction; (idiom) chain reaction; series of events each caused by the previous one +
• 连拖带拉連拖帶拉 lián tuō dài lā ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄊㄨㄛ ㄉㄞˋ ㄌㄚ lin4 to1 daai3 laai1 pushing and pulling (idiom) +
• 怜香惜玉憐香惜玉 lián xiāng xī yù ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄒㄧㄤ ㄒㄧ ㄩˋ lin4 hoeng1 sik1 juk6 to have tender, protective feelings for the fairer sex (idiom) +
• 连战连胜連戰連勝 lián zhàn lián shèng ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄓㄢˋ ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄕㄥˋ lin4 zin3 lin4 sing3 fighting and winning a series of battles (idiom); ever victorious +
• 聊表心意 liáo biǎo xīn yì ㄌㄧㄠˊ ㄅㄧㄠˇ ㄒㄧㄣ ㄧˋ liu4 biu2 sam1 ji3 (idiom) to offer as a small token of one's feelings +
• 寥寥可数寥寥可數 liáo liáo kě shǔ ㄌㄧㄠˊ ㄌㄧㄠˊ ㄎㄜˇ ㄕㄨˇ liu4 liu4 ho2 sou3 (idiom) very few +
• 寥寥无几寥寥無幾 liáo liáo wú jǐ ㄌㄧㄠˊ ㄌㄧㄠˊ ㄨˊ ㄐㄧˇ liu4 liu4 mou4 gei2 (idiom) very few +
• 了然于胸了然於胸 liǎo rán yú xiōng ㄌㄧㄠˇ ㄖㄢˊ ㄩˊ ㄒㄩㄥ liu5 jin4 jyu1 hung1 (idiom) to be well aware; to understand clearly +
• 寥若晨星 liáo ruò chén xīng ㄌㄧㄠˊ ㄖㄨㄛˋ ㄔㄣˊ ㄒㄧㄥ liu4 joek6 san4 sing1 rare as morning stars (idiom); few and far between; sparse +
• 了如指掌 liǎo rú zhǐ zhǎng ㄌㄧㄠˇ ㄖㄨˊ ㄓˇ ㄓㄤˇ liu5 jyu4 zi2 zoeng2 to know sth like the back of one's hand (idiom); to know (a person, a place etc) inside out +
• 聊胜于无聊勝於無 liáo shèng yú wú ㄌㄧㄠˊ ㄕㄥˋ ㄩˊ ㄨˊ liu4 sing3 jyu1 mou4 better than nothing (idiom) +
• 料事如神 liào shì rú shén ㄌㄧㄠˋ ㄕˋ ㄖㄨˊ ㄕㄣˊ liu6 si6 jyu4 san4 to prophesy with supernatural accuracy (idiom); to have an incredible foresight +
• 了无生趣了無生趣 liǎo wú shēng qù ㄌㄧㄠˇ ㄨˊ ㄕㄥ ㄑㄩˋ liu5 mou4 saang1 ceoi3 to lose all interest in life (idiom) +
• 聊以自慰 liáo yǐ zì wèi ㄌㄧㄠˊ ㄧˇ ㄗˋ ㄨㄟˋ liu4 ji5 zi6 wai3 to find some consolation (idiom); to find relief in +
• 礼崩乐坏禮崩樂壞 lǐ bēng yuè huài ㄌㄧˇ ㄅㄥ ㄩㄝˋ ㄏㄨㄞˋ lai5 bang1 ngok6 waai6 rites and music are in ruins (idiom); fig. society in total disarray; cf. 禮樂|礼乐[li3 yue4] +
• 力不从心力不從心 lì bù cóng xīn ㄌㄧˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄘㄨㄥˊ ㄒㄧㄣ lik6 bat1 cung4 sam1 (idiom) to lack the ability to do what one would wish +
• 力不胜任力不勝任 lì bù shèng rèn ㄌㄧˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄕㄥˋ ㄖㄣˋ lik6 bat1 sing1 jam6 not to be up to the task (idiom); incompetent +
• 立地成佛 lì dì chéng fó ㄌㄧˋ ㄉㄧˋ ㄔㄥˊ ㄈㄛˊ laap6 dei6 sing4 fat6 to become a Buddha on the spot (idiom); instant rehabilitation; to repent and be absolved of one's crimes +
• 立竿见影立竿見影 lì gān jiàn yǐng ㄌㄧˋ ㄍㄢ ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄧㄥˇ laap6 gon1 gin3 jing2 (lit.) set up a pole and immediately see its shadow (idiom); (fig.) to get instant results +
• 梨花带雨梨花帶雨 lí huā dài yǔ ㄌㄧˊ ㄏㄨㄚ ㄉㄞˋ ㄩˇ lei4 faa1 daai3 jyu5 lit. like raindrops on a pear blossom (idiom); fig. tear-stained face of a beauty +
• 骊黄牝牡驪黃牝牡 lí huáng pìn mǔ ㄌㄧˊ ㄏㄨㄤˊ ㄆㄧㄣˋ ㄇㄨˇ lei4 wong4 pan5 maau5 a black stallion or possibly a yellow mare (idiom); don't judge by outward appearance +
• 励精图治勵精圖治 lì jīng tú zhì ㄌㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄥ ㄊㄨˊ ㄓˋ lai6 zing1 tou4 zi6 (of a ruler) to strive to make one's nation strong and prosperous (idiom) +
• 力尽神危力盡神危 lì jìn shén wēi ㄌㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄕㄣˊ ㄨㄟ lik6 zeon6 san4 ngai4 (idiom) physically and mentally exhausted +
• 历久弥坚歷久彌堅 lì jiǔ mí jiān ㄌㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄇㄧˊ ㄐㄧㄢ lik6 gau2 nei4 gin1 to become more resolute with the passing of time (idiom) +
• 历久弥新歷久彌新 lì jiǔ mí xīn ㄌㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄇㄧˊ ㄒㄧㄣ lik6 gau2 nei4 san1 lit. long in existence but ever new (idiom); fig. timeless; unfading +
• 利令智昏 lì lìng zhì hūn ㄌㄧˋ ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄓˋ ㄏㄨㄣ lei6 ling6 zi3 fan1 to lose one's head through material greed (idiom) +
• 莅临指导蒞臨指導 lì lín zhǐ dǎo ㄌㄧˋ ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄓˇ ㄉㄠˇ lei6 lam4 zi2 dou6 (of a notable person etc) to honor with one's presence and offer guidance (idiom) +
• 历历在目歷歷在目 lì lì zài mù ㄌㄧˋ ㄌㄧˋ ㄗㄞˋ ㄇㄨˋ lik6 lik6 zoi6 muk6 vivid in one's mind (idiom) +
• 灵丹妙药靈丹妙藥 líng dān miào yào ㄌㄧㄥˊ ㄉㄢ ㄇㄧㄠˋ ㄧㄠˋ ling4 daan1 miu6 joek6 effective cure, miracle medicine (idiom); fig. wonder-cure for all problems; panacea; elixir +
• 零打碎敲 líng dǎ suì qiāo ㄌㄧㄥˊ ㄉㄚˇ ㄙㄨㄟˋ ㄑㄧㄠ ling4 daa2 seoi3 haau1 to do things in bits and pieces (idiom); piecemeal work +
• 灵机一动靈機一動 líng jī yī dòng ㄌㄧㄥˊ ㄐㄧ ㄧ ㄉㄨㄥˋ ling4 gei1 jat1 dung6 a bright idea suddenly occurs (idiom); to hit upon an inspiration; to be struck by a brainwave +
• 凌乱不堪凌亂不堪 líng luàn bù kān ㄌㄧㄥˊ ㄌㄨㄢˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄎㄢ ling4 lyun6 bat1 ham1 in a terrible mess (idiom) +
• 绫罗绸缎綾羅綢緞 líng luó chóu duàn ㄌㄧㄥˊ ㄌㄨㄛˊ ㄔㄡˊ ㄉㄨㄢˋ ling4 lo4 cau4 dyun6 (idiom) silk and satin +
• 另谋高就另謀高就 lìng móu gāo jiù ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄇㄡˊ ㄍㄠ ㄐㄧㄡˋ ling6 mau4 gou1 zau6 to get a better job somewhere else (idiom); to seek alternative employment +
• 另辟蹊径另闢蹊徑 lìng pì xī jìng ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄆㄧˋ ㄒㄧ ㄐㄧㄥˋ ling6 pik1 hai4 ging3 to take an alternate route (idiom); to find an alternative; to take a different approach; to blaze a new trail +
• 零敲碎打 líng qiāo suì dǎ ㄌㄧㄥˊ ㄑㄧㄠ ㄙㄨㄟˋ ㄉㄚˇ ling4 haau1 seoi3 daa2 to do things in bits and pieces (idiom); piecemeal work +
• 另起炉灶另起爐灶 lìng qǐ lú zào ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄑㄧˇ ㄌㄨˊ ㄗㄠˋ ling6 hei2 lou4 zou3 lit. to set up a separate kitchen (idiom); to start from scratch; back to square one; to start of on a new path +
• 另请高明另請高明 lìng qǐng gāo míng ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄑㄧㄥˇ ㄍㄠ ㄇㄧㄥˊ ling6 cing2 gou1 ming4 please find sb better qualified than me (idiom) +
• 令人发指令人髮指 lìng rén fà zhǐ ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄖㄣˊ ㄈㄚˋ ㄓˇ ling6 jan4 faat3 zi2 (idiom) to make one feel a sense of revulsion; abhorrent; heinous; deeply disturbing +
• 令行禁止 lìng xíng jìn zhǐ ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄓˇ ling6 hang4 gam3 zi2 (lit.) orders are carried out and prohibitions are observed (idiom); (fig.) to execute every order without fail +
• 伶牙俐齿伶牙俐齒 líng yá lì chǐ ㄌㄧㄥˊ ㄧㄚˊ ㄌㄧˋ ㄔˇ ling4 ngaa4 lei6 ci2 clever and eloquent (idiom); fluent; having the gift of the gab +
• 另有企图另有企圖 lìng yǒu qǐ tú ㄌㄧㄥˋ ㄧㄡˇ ㄑㄧˇ ㄊㄨˊ ling6 jau5 kei5 tou4 (idiom) to have an ulterior motive +
• 麟角凤觜麟角鳳觜 lín jiǎo fèng zuǐ ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄐㄧㄠˇ ㄈㄥˋ ㄗㄨㄟˇ leon4 gok3 fung6 zeoi2 lit. qilin's horn, phoenix's mouth (idiom); fig. rara avis; rarity +
• 临渴穿井臨渴穿井 lín kě chuān jǐng ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄎㄜˇ ㄔㄨㄢ ㄐㄧㄥˇ lam4 hot3 cyun1 zeng2 lit. face thirst and dig a well (idiom); fig. not to make adequate provision; to act when it is too late +
• 临渴掘井臨渴掘井 lín kě jué jǐng ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄎㄜˇ ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄐㄧㄥˇ lam4 hot3 gwat6 zeng2 lit. not to dig a well until one is thirsty; to be unprepared and seek help at the last minute (idiom) +
• 琳琅满目琳瑯滿目 lín láng mǎn mù ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄌㄤˊ ㄇㄢˇ ㄇㄨˋ lam4 long4 mun5 muk6 (idiom) to be a feast for the eyes; to be a cornucopia of delights; to be diverse and abundant +
• 淋漓尽致淋漓盡致 lín lí jìn zhì ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄌㄧˊ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄓˋ lam4 lei4 zeon6 zi3 lit. extreme saturation (idiom); fig. vividly and thoroughly; in great detail; without restraint; (of a performance) brilliant +
• 临危受命臨危受命 lín wēi shòu mìng ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄨㄟ ㄕㄡˋ ㄇㄧㄥˋ lam4 ngai4 sau6 ming6 (idiom) to take on a leadership role at a time of crisis +
• 临阵磨枪臨陣磨槍 lín zhèn mó qiāng ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄓㄣˋ ㄇㄛˊ ㄑㄧㄤ lam4 zan6 mo4 coeng1 (lit.) to sharpen one's spear only before going into battle (idiom); (fig.) to make preparations only at the last moment +
• 临阵退缩臨陣退縮 lín zhèn tuì suō ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄓㄣˋ ㄊㄨㄟˋ ㄙㄨㄛ lam4 zan6 teoi3 suk1 to shrink back as the time for battle approaches (idiom); to get cold feet +
• 力排众议力排眾議 lì pái zhòng yì ㄌㄧˋ ㄆㄞˊ ㄓㄨㄥˋ ㄧˋ lik6 paai4 zung3 ji5 to stand one's ground against the opinion of the masses (idiom) +
• 离情别绪離情別緒 lí qíng bié xù ㄌㄧˊ ㄑㄧㄥˊ ㄅㄧㄝˊ ㄒㄩˋ lei4 cing4 bit6 seoi5 sad feeling at separation (idiom) +
• 理屈词穷理屈詞窮 lǐ qū cí qióng ㄌㄧˇ ㄑㄩ ㄘˊ ㄑㄩㄥˊ lei5 wat1 ci4 kung4 lit. having presented a flawed argument, one has nothing further to add (idiom); fig. unable to provide a convincing argument to support one's position; to not have a leg to stand on +
• 礼尚往来禮尚往來 lǐ shàng wǎng lái ㄌㄧˇ ㄕㄤˋ ㄨㄤˇ ㄌㄞˊ lai5 soeng6 wong5 loi4 lit. proper behavior is based on reciprocity (idiom); fig. to return politeness for politeness +
• 立身处世立身處世 lì shēn chǔ shì ㄌㄧˋ ㄕㄣ ㄔㄨˇ ㄕˋ laap6 san1 cyu2 sai3 (idiom) the way one conducts oneself in society +
• 理所当然理所當然 lǐ suǒ dāng rán ㄌㄧˇ ㄙㄨㄛˇ ㄉㄤ ㄖㄢˊ lei5 so2 dong1 jin4 as it should be by rights (idiom); proper and to be expected as a matter of course; inevitable and right +
• 力所能及 lì suǒ néng jí ㄌㄧˋ ㄙㄨㄛˇ ㄋㄥˊ ㄐㄧˊ lik6 so2 nang4 kap6 as far as one's capabilities extend (idiom); to the best of one's ability; within one's powers +
• 柳暗花明 liǔ àn huā míng ㄌㄧㄡˇ ㄢˋ ㄏㄨㄚ ㄇㄧㄥˊ lau5 am3 faa1 ming4 lit. the willow trees make the shade, the flowers give the light (idiom); at one's darkest hour, a glimmer of hope; light at the end of the tunnel +
• 流芳百世 liú fāng bǎi shì ㄌㄧㄡˊ ㄈㄤ ㄅㄞˇ ㄕˋ lau4 fong1 baak3 sai3 (of one's name, reputation etc) to be immortalized (idiom); to leave a mark for generations to come +
• 流光溢彩 liú guāng yì cǎi ㄌㄧㄡˊ ㄍㄨㄤ ㄧˋ ㄘㄞˇ lau4 gwong1 jat6 coi2 (idiom) brilliant lights and vibrant colors +
• 流离颠沛流離顛沛 liú lí diān pèi ㄌㄧㄡˊ ㄌㄧˊ ㄉㄧㄢ ㄆㄟˋ lau4 lei4 din1 pui3 destitute and homeless (idiom); displaced and without means +
• 流离失所流離失所 liú lí shī suǒ ㄌㄧㄡˊ ㄌㄧˊ ㄕ ㄙㄨㄛˇ lau4 lei4 sat1 so2 destitute and homeless (idiom); forced from one's home and wandering about; displaced +
• 柳绿花红柳綠花紅 liǔ lǜ huā hóng ㄌㄧㄡˇ ㄌㄩˋ ㄏㄨㄚ ㄏㄨㄥˊ lau5 luk6 faa1 hung4 (lit.) green willows and red flowers (idiom); (fig.) all the colors of spring +
• 流年不利 liú nián bù lì ㄌㄧㄡˊ ㄋㄧㄢˊ ㄅㄨˋ ㄌㄧˋ lau4 nin4 bat1 lei6 the year's horoscope augurs ill (idiom); an unlucky year +
• 六亲不认六親不認 liù qīn bù rèn ㄌㄧㄡˋ ㄑㄧㄣ ㄅㄨˋ ㄖㄣˋ luk6 can1 bat1 jing6 not recognizing one's family (idiom); self-centered and not making any allowances for the needs of one's relatives +
• 六亲无靠六親無靠 liù qīn wú kào ㄌㄧㄡˋ ㄑㄧㄣ ㄨˊ ㄎㄠˋ luk6 can1 mou4 kaau3 orphaned of all one's immediate relatives (idiom); no one to rely on; left to one's own devices +
• 六神无主六神無主 liù shén wú zhǔ ㄌㄧㄡˋ ㄕㄣˊ ㄨˊ ㄓㄨˇ luk6 san4 mou4 zyu2 out of one's wits (idiom); distracted; stunned +
• 流星赶月流星趕月 liú xīng gǎn yuè ㄌㄧㄡˊ ㄒㄧㄥ ㄍㄢˇ ㄩㄝˋ lau4 sing1 gon2 jyut6 lit. a meteor catching up with the moon; swift action (idiom) +
• 溜须拍马溜鬚拍馬 liū xū pāi mǎ ㄌㄧㄡ ㄒㄩ ㄆㄞ ㄇㄚˇ lau6 sou1 paak3 maa5 to smooth whiskers and pat a horse's bottom (idiom); to use flatter to get what one wants; to toady; boot-licking +
• 流言蜚语流言蜚語 liú yán fēi yǔ ㄌㄧㄡˊ ㄧㄢˊ ㄈㄟ ㄩˇ lau4 jin4 fei1 jyu5 rumors and slanders (idiom); gossip; lies and slanders +
• 柳烟花雾柳煙花霧 liǔ yān huā wù ㄌㄧㄡˇ ㄧㄢ ㄏㄨㄚ ㄨˋ lau5 jin1 faa1 mou6 lit. willow scent and mist of blossom (idiom); scene full of the delights of spring +
• 力挽狂澜力挽狂瀾 lì wǎn kuáng lán ㄌㄧˋ ㄨㄢˇ ㄎㄨㄤˊ ㄌㄢˊ lik6 waan5 kwong4 laan4 to pull strongly against a crazy tide (idiom); fig. to try hard to save a desperate crisis +
• 厉行节约厲行節約 lì xíng jié yuē ㄌㄧˋ ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄐㄧㄝˊ ㄩㄝ lai6 hang4 zit3 joek3 to practice strict economy (idiom) +
• 礼义廉耻禮義廉恥 lǐ yì lián chǐ ㄌㄧˇ ㄧˋ ㄌㄧㄢˊ ㄔˇ lai5 ji6 lim4 ci2 (idiom) propriety, justice, integrity and a sense of shame (i.e. the four social bonds, 四維|四维[si4 wei2]) +
• 里应外合裡應外合 lǐ yìng wài hé ㄌㄧˇ ㄧㄥˋ ㄨㄞˋ ㄏㄜˊ leoi5 jing3 ngoi6 hap6 to coordinate outside and inside offensives (idiom); (fig.) to act together +
• 礼仪之邦禮儀之邦 lǐ yí zhī bāng ㄌㄧˇ ㄧˊ ㄓ ㄅㄤ lai5 ji4 zi1 bong1 (idiom) a land of ceremony and propriety +
• 利欲熏心利慾薰心 lì yù xūn xīn ㄌㄧˋ ㄩˋ ㄒㄩㄣ ㄒㄧㄣ lei6 juk6 fan1 sam1 blinded by greed (idiom) +
• 力争上游力爭上游 lì zhēng shàng yóu ㄌㄧˋ ㄓㄥ ㄕㄤˋ ㄧㄡˊ lik6 zang1 soeng6 jau4 to strive for mastery (idiom); aiming for the best result; to have high ambitions +
• 理直气壮理直氣壯 lǐ zhí qì zhuàng ㄌㄧˇ ㄓˊ ㄑㄧˋ ㄓㄨㄤˋ lei5 zik6 hei3 zong3 in the right and self-confident (idiom); bold and confident with justice on one's side; to have the courage of one's convictions; just and forceful +
• 龙飞凤舞龍飛鳳舞 lóng fēi fèng wǔ ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄈㄟ ㄈㄥˋ ㄨˇ lung4 fei1 fung6 mou5 flamboyant or bold cursive calligraphy (idiom) +
• 龙凤呈祥龍鳳呈祥 lóng fèng chéng xiáng ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄈㄥˋ ㄔㄥˊ ㄒㄧㄤˊ lung4 fung6 cing4 coeng4 the dragon and phoenix are symbols of good fortune (idiom); auspicious; decorated with auspicious symbols such as the dragon and the phoenix +
• 龙马精神龍馬精神 lóng mǎ jīng shén ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄇㄚˇ ㄐㄧㄥ ㄕㄣˊ lung4 maa5 zing1 san4 old but still full of vitality (idiom) +
• 笼鸟槛猿籠鳥檻猿 lóng niǎo jiàn yuán ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄋㄧㄠˇ ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄩㄢˊ lung4 niu5 haam5 jyun4 bird in a basket, monkey in a cage (idiom); prisoner +
• 隆情厚谊隆情厚誼 lóng qíng hòu yì ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄑㄧㄥˊ ㄏㄡˋ ㄧˋ lung4 cing4 hau5 ji4 profound love, generous friendship (idiom) +
• 龙蛇混杂龍蛇混雜 lóng shé hùn zá ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄕㄜˊ ㄏㄨㄣˋ ㄗㄚˊ lung4 se4 wan6 zaap6 lit. dragons and snakes mingle (idiom); fig. a mix of good people and scumbags +
• 龙生九子龍生九子 lóng shēng jiǔ zǐ ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄕㄥ ㄐㄧㄡˇ ㄗˇ lung4 sang1 gau2 zi2 lit. the dragon has nine sons (idiom); fig. all kinds of characters; good and bad intermingled; It takes all sorts to make a world. +
• 龙潭虎穴龍潭虎穴 lóng tán hǔ xué ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄊㄢˊ ㄏㄨˇ ㄒㄩㄝˊ lung4 taam4 fu2 jyut6 (lit.) dragon's pool and tiger's den (idiom); (fig.) dangerous place; hostile territory +
• 龙腾虎跃龍騰虎躍 lóng téng hǔ yuè ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄊㄥˊ ㄏㄨˇ ㄩㄝˋ lung4 tang4 fu2 joek6 lit. dragon soaring and tiger leaping (idiom); fig. prosperous and bustling; vigorous and active +
• 龙头蛇尾龍頭蛇尾 lóng tóu shé wěi ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄊㄡˊ ㄕㄜˊ ㄨㄟˇ lung4 tau4 se4 mei5 lit. dragon's head, snake's tail (idiom); fig. a strong start but weak finish +
• 龙骧虎步龍驤虎步 lóng xiāng hǔ bù ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄒㄧㄤ ㄏㄨˇ ㄅㄨˋ (idiom) powerful and imposing demeanor +
• 龙争虎斗龍爭虎鬥 lóng zhēng hǔ dòu ㄌㄨㄥˊ ㄓㄥ ㄏㄨˇ ㄉㄡˋ lung4 zang1 fu2 dau3 lit. the dragon wars, the tiger battles (idiom); fierce battle between giants +
• 漏洞百出 lòu dòng bǎi chū ㄌㄡˋ ㄉㄨㄥˋ ㄅㄞˇ ㄔㄨ lau6 dung6 baak3 ceot1 (of an argument, theory etc) full of flaws (idiom) +
• 漏脯充饥漏脯充飢 lòu fǔ chōng jī ㄌㄡˋ ㄈㄨˇ ㄔㄨㄥ ㄐㄧ lau6 fu2 cung1 gei1 (lit.) to eat rotten meat to assuage hunger (idiom); (fig.) to disregard long-term consequences for short-term benefits; shortsighted +
• 漏网之鱼漏網之魚 lòu wǎng zhī yú ㄌㄡˋ ㄨㄤˇ ㄓ ㄩˊ lau6 mong5 zi1 jyu4 (lit.) a fish that escaped the net (idiom); (fig.) sb or sth that slips through the net +
• 漏泄天机漏洩天機 lòu xiè tiān jī ㄌㄡˋ ㄒㄧㄝˋ ㄊㄧㄢ ㄐㄧ lau6 sit3 tin1 gei1 to divulge the will of heaven (idiom); to leak a secret; to let the cat out of the bag +
• 乱臣贼子亂臣賊子 luàn chén zéi zǐ ㄌㄨㄢˋ ㄔㄣˊ ㄗㄟˊ ㄗˇ lyun6 san4 caak6 zi2 rebels and traitors (idiom); general term for scoundrel +
• 鸾飘凤泊鸞飄鳳泊 luán piāo fèng bó ㄌㄨㄢˊ ㄆㄧㄠ ㄈㄥˋ ㄅㄛˊ lyun4 piu1 fung6 bok6 lit. firebird soars, phoenix alights (idiom); fig. bold, graceful calligraphy; married couple separated from each other; talented person not given the opportunity to fulfill his potential +
• 乱七八糟亂七八糟 luàn qī bā zāo ㄌㄨㄢˋ ㄑㄧ ㄅㄚ ㄗㄠ lyun6 cat1 baat3 zou1 (idiom) chaotic; in disorder; muddled +
• 鸾翔凤集鸞翔鳳集 luán xiáng fèng jí ㄌㄨㄢˊ ㄒㄧㄤˊ ㄈㄥˋ ㄐㄧˊ lyun4 coeng4 fung6 zaap6 lit. firebird and phoenix come together (idiom); fig. a gathering of eminent people +
• 路不拾遗路不拾遺 lù bù shí yí ㄌㄨˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄕˊ ㄧˊ lou6 bat1 sap6 wai4 lit. no one picks up lost articles in the street (idiom); fig. honesty prevails throughout society +
• 露出马脚露出馬腳 lù chū mǎ jiǎo ㄌㄨˋ ㄔㄨ ㄇㄚˇ ㄐㄧㄠˇ lou6 ceot1 maa5 goek3 to reveal the cloven foot (idiom); to unmask one's true nature; to give the game away +
• 炉火纯青爐火純青 lú huǒ chún qīng ㄌㄨˊ ㄏㄨㄛˇ ㄔㄨㄣˊ ㄑㄧㄥ lou4 fo2 seon4 cing1 (lit.) the stove fire has turned bright green (allusion to Daoist alchemy) (idiom); (fig.) (of an art, a technique etc) brought to the point of perfection +
• 绿林好汉綠林好漢 lù lín hǎo hàn ㄌㄨˋ ㄌㄧㄣˊ ㄏㄠˇ ㄏㄢˋ luk6 lam4 hou2 hon3 (idiom) chivalrous hero, often one who combats injustice or fights for a noble cause (originally referred to a group of outlaws who assembled in 綠林|绿林[Lu4 lin2]) +
• 戮力同心 lù lì tóng xīn ㄌㄨˋ ㄌㄧˋ ㄊㄨㄥˊ ㄒㄧㄣ luk6 lik6 tung4 sam1 (idiom) to join forces to work towards a common goal +
• 论长道短論長道短 lùn cháng dào duǎn ㄌㄨㄣˋ ㄔㄤˊ ㄉㄠˋ ㄉㄨㄢˇ leon6 coeng4 dou6 dyun2 lit. to discuss sb's merits and demerits (idiom); to gossip +
• 论功行赏論功行賞 lùn gōng xíng shǎng ㄌㄨㄣˋ ㄍㄨㄥ ㄒㄧㄥˊ ㄕㄤˇ leon6 gung1 hang4 soeng2 (idiom) to assess merit and confer rewards +
• 沦肌浃髓淪肌浹髓 lún jī jiā suǐ ㄌㄨㄣˊ ㄐㄧ ㄐㄧㄚ ㄙㄨㄟˇ leon4 gei1 zip3 seoi5 lit. penetrate to the marrow (idiom); deeply affected; moved to the core +
• 落草为寇落草為寇 luò cǎo wéi kòu ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄘㄠˇ ㄨㄟˊ ㄎㄡˋ lok6 cou2 wai6 kau3 (idiom) to take to the woods to become an outlaw +
• 落袋为安落袋為安 luò dài wéi ān ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄉㄞˋ ㄨㄟˊ ㄢ lok6 doi2 wai6 on1 (idiom) to take profits and lock in one's gains +
• 落井下石 luò jǐng xià shí ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄐㄧㄥˇ ㄒㄧㄚˋ ㄕˊ lok6 zeng2 haa6 sek6 to throw stones at sb who has fallen down a well (idiom); to hit a person when he's down +
• 落落寡交 luò luò guǎ jiāo ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄍㄨㄚˇ ㄐㄧㄠ lok6 lok6 gwaa2 gaau1 aloof and as a result friendless (idiom) +
• 罗雀掘鼠羅雀掘鼠 luó què jué shǔ ㄌㄨㄛˊ ㄑㄩㄝˋ ㄐㄩㄝˊ ㄕㄨˇ lo4 zoek3 gwat6 syu2 (lit.) to net sparrows and dig out rats (idiom); (fig.) to try every possible means of obtaining food (in times of starvation) +
• 落入法网落入法網 luò rù fǎ wǎng ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄖㄨˋ ㄈㄚˇ ㄨㄤˇ lok6 jap6 faat3 mong5 to fall into the net of justice (idiom); finally arrested +
• 落拓不羁落拓不羈 luò tuò bù jī ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄊㄨㄛˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄐㄧ lok6 taap3 bat1 gei1 (idiom) unconventional; uninhibited; free-spirited +
• 洛阳纸贵洛陽紙貴 Luò yáng zhǐ guì ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄧㄤˊ ㄓˇ ㄍㄨㄟˋ lok3 joeng4 zi2 gwai3 lit. paper has become expensive in Luoyang (because everyone is making a copy of a popular story) (idiom); fig. (of a product) to sell like hotcakes +
• 落叶归根落葉歸根 luò yè guī gēn ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄧㄝˋ ㄍㄨㄟ ㄍㄣ lok6 jip6 gwai1 gan1 lit. a falling leaf returns to the roots (idiom); fig. all things go back to their source eventually; in old age, an expatriate returns home +
• 络绎不绝絡繹不絕 luò yì bù jué ㄌㄨㄛˋ ㄧˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄐㄩㄝˊ lok3 jik6 bat1 zyut6 (idiom) continuously; in an endless stream +
• 路人皆知 lù rén jiē zhī ㄌㄨˋ ㄖㄣˊ ㄐㄧㄝ ㄓ lou6 jan4 gaai1 zi1 understood by everyone (idiom); well known; a household name +
• 鹿死谁手鹿死誰手 lù sǐ shéi shǒu ㄌㄨˋ ㄙˇ ㄕㄟˊ ㄕㄡˇ luk6 sei2 seoi4 sau2 lit. at whose hand will the deer die (idiom); fig. who will emerge victorious +
• 屡败屡战屢敗屢戰 lǚ bài lǚ zhàn ㄌㄩˇ ㄅㄞˋ ㄌㄩˇ ㄓㄢˋ leoi5 baai6 leoi5 zin3 to keep on fighting despite continual setbacks (idiom) +
• 绿惨红愁綠慘紅愁 lǜ cǎn hóng chóu ㄌㄩˋ ㄘㄢˇ ㄏㄨㄥˊ ㄔㄡˊ luk6 caam2 hung4 sau4 (of women) grieved appearance (idiom); sorrowful mien +
• 绿草如茵綠草如茵 lǜ cǎo rú yīn ㄌㄩˋ ㄘㄠˇ ㄖㄨˊ ㄧㄣ green grass like cushion (idiom); green meadow so inviting to sleep on +
• 略见一斑略見一斑 lüè jiàn yī bān ㄌㄩㄝˋ ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄧ ㄅㄢ loek6 gin3 jat1 baan1 lit. to glimpse just one spot (of the leopard) (idiom); fig. to get an inkling of the whole picture +
• 略迹原情略跡原情 lüè jì yuán qíng ㄌㄩㄝˋ ㄐㄧˋ ㄩㄢˊ ㄑㄧㄥˊ loek6 zik1 jyun4 cing4 to overlook past faults (idiom); to forgive and forget +
• 略知一二 lüè zhī yī èr ㄌㄩㄝˋ ㄓ ㄧ ㄦˋ loek6 zi1 jat1 ji6 (idiom) to know just a little; to have a rough idea +
• 屡见不鲜屢見不鮮 lǚ jiàn bù xiān ㄌㄩˇ ㄐㄧㄢˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄒㄧㄢ leoi5 gin3 bat1 sin1 a common occurrence (idiom) +
• 屡禁不绝屢禁不絕 lǚ jìn bù jué ㄌㄩˇ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄐㄩㄝˊ leoi5 gam3 bat1 zyut6 to continue despite repeated prohibition (idiom) +
• 屡禁不止屢禁不止 lǚ jìn bù zhǐ ㄌㄩˇ ㄐㄧㄣˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄓˇ leoi5 gam3 bat1 zi2 to continue despite repeated prohibition (idiom) +
• 绿女红男綠女紅男 lǜ nǚ hóng nán ㄌㄩˋ ㄋㄩˇ ㄏㄨㄥˊ ㄋㄢˊ luk6 neoi5 hung4 naam4 young people decked out in gorgeous clothes (idiom) +
• 屡劝不听屢勸不聽 lǚ quàn bù tīng ㄌㄩˇ ㄑㄩㄢˋ ㄅㄨˋ ㄊㄧㄥ leoi5 hyun3 bat1 teng1 (idiom) refusing to listen to advice or remonstrance; incorrigible +
• 绿树成荫綠樹成蔭 lǜ shù chéng yīn ㄌㄩˋ ㄕㄨˋ ㄔㄥˊ ㄧㄣ luk6 syu6 sing4 jam3 (idiom) (of an area) to have trees with shade-giving foliage; (of a road) to be tree-lined +
• 履险如夷履險如夷 lǚ xiǎn rú yí ㄌㄩˇ ㄒㄧㄢˇ ㄖㄨˊ ㄧˊ lei5 him2 jyu4 ji4 lit. to make one's way through a dangerous pass as if walking on level ground (idiom); fig. to handle a crisis effortlessly +
• 履舄交错履舄交錯 lǚ xì jiāo cuò ㄌㄩˇ ㄒㄧˋ ㄐㄧㄠ ㄘㄨㄛˋ lit. shoes and slippers muddled together (idiom); fig. many guests come and go; a lively party +
• 屡战屡败屢戰屢敗 lǚ zhàn lǚ bài ㄌㄩˇ ㄓㄢˋ ㄌㄩˇ ㄅㄞˋ leoi5 zin3 leoi5 baai6 to suffer defeat in every battle (idiom) +