Word list

Word	Pinyin	Meaning
一举成名	yī jǔ chéng míng	(idiom) to become famous overnight; to achieve instant fame
一视同仁	yī shì tóng rén	(idiom) to treat everyone equally; without discrimination
一诺千金	yī nuò qiān jīn	(idiom) a promise worth a thousand gold; to be as good as one's word
千里之行	qiān lǐ zhī xíng	(idiom) a thousand-mile journey; a long-term endeavor
呕心沥血	ǒu xīn lì xuè	(idiom) to put one's heart and soul into; to work extremely hard
坚持不懈	jiān chí bù xiè	(idiom) to persist without giving up; unremitting
学以致用	xué yǐ zhì yòng	(idiom) to study in order to apply it; to put learning into practice
拔苗助长	bá miáo zhù zhǎng	(idiom) to pull up seedlings to help them grow; to spoil things through excessive enthusiasm
掩耳盗铃	yǎn ěr dào líng	(idiom) to cover one's ears while stealing a bell; to deceive oneself
有备无患	yǒu bèi wú huàn	(idiom) preparedness prevents calamity; to be prepared and thus avoid trouble
未雨绸缪	wèi yǔ chóu móu	(idiom) to repair the house before it rains; to take preventive measures
熟能生巧	shú néng shēng qiǎo	(idiom) skill comes from practice; practice makes perfect
班门弄斧	bān mén nòng fǔ	(idiom) to display one's axe before Lu Ban; to show off in front of an expert
脚踏实地	jiǎo tà shí dì	(idiom) to have one's feet firmly on the ground; to be practical and down-to-earth
不约而同	bù yuē ér tóng	to agree by chance; taking the same action without prior consultation
东奔西走	dōng bēn xī zǒu	to run this way and that; to rush about busily; to bustle about; to hopscotch; also 东跑西颠
东张西望	dōng zhāng xī wàng	to look in all directions; to glance around
争先恐后	zhēng xiān kǒng hòu	striving to be first and fearing to be last; outdoing one another
争分夺秒	zhēng fēn duó miǎo	fight minutes, snatch seconds; a race against time; making every second count
以身作则	yǐ shēn zuò zé	to set an example; to serve as a model
兢兢业业	jīng jīng yè yè	conscientious; assiduous
再接再厉	zài jiē zài lì	to continue the struggle; to persist; unremitting efforts
刻舟求剑	kè zhōu qiú jiàn	a notch on the side of a boat to locate a sword dropped overboard; fig. an action made pointless by changed circumstances
前赴后继	qián fù hòu jì	to advance dauntlessly in wave upon wave;
化险为夷	huà xiǎn wéi yí	to turn peril into safety; to avert disaster
半途而废	bàn tú ér fèi	to give up halfway; leave sth unfinished
取而代之	qǔ ér dài zhī	to replace; to supersede; to take its (or her etc) place
同舟共济	tóng zhōu gòng jì	cross a river in the same boat; fig. having common interests; obliged to collaborate towards common goals
实事求是	shí shì qiú shì	to seek truth from facts; fig. to be practical and realistic
左顾右盼	zuǒ gù yòu pàn	glancing to left and right; to look all around
废寝忘食	fèi qǐn wàng shí	to neglect sleep and forget about food; to skip one's sleep and meals; to be completely wrapped up in one's work
弄虚作假	nòng xū zuò jiǎ	to practice fraud; by trickery
循序渐进	xún xù jiàn jìn	in sequence, step by step; to make steady progress incrementally
息息相关	xī xī xiāng guān	closely bound up; intimately related
想方设法	xiǎng fāng shè fǎ	to think up every possible method; to devise ways and means; to try this, that and the other
持之以恒	chí zhī yǐ héng	to pursue unremittingly; to persevere
改邪归正	gǎi xié guī zhèng	to mend one's ways; to turn over a new leaf
敬而远之	jìng ér yuǎn zhī	to show respect from a distance; to remain at a respectful distance
斩钉截铁	zhǎn dīng jié tiě	to chop the nail and slice the iron; fig. resolute and decisive; unhesitating; categorical
朝三暮四	zhāo sān mù sì	say three in the morning but four in the evening; to change sth that is already settled upon; indecisive; to blow hot and cold
朝夕相处	zhāo xī xiāng chǔ	to spend all one's time together;
熙熙攘攘	xī xī rǎng rǎng	bustling with activity;
画龙点睛	huà lóng diǎn jīng	to paint a dragon and dot in the eyes; fig. to add the vital finishing touch; the crucial point that brings the subject to life; a few words to clinch the point
精打细算	jīng dǎ xì suàn	meticulous planning and careful accounting;
精疲力竭	jīng pí lì jié	spirit weary, strength exhausted; spent; drained; washed out
精益求精	jīng yì qiú jīng	to perfect sth that is already outstanding; constantly improving
脱颖而出	tuō yǐng ér chū	to reveal one's talent; to rise above others; to distinguish oneself
自力更生	zì lì gēng shēng	regeneration through one's own effort; self-reliance
节衣缩食	jié yī suō shí	to save on food and clothing; to live frugally
萍水相逢	píng shuǐ xiāng féng	strangers coming together by chance;
见仁见智	jiàn rén jiàn zhì	opinions differ;
见多识广	jiàn duō shí guǎng	experienced and knowledgeable;
针锋相对	zhēn fēng xiāng duì	to oppose each other with equal harshness; tit for tat; measure for measure
齐心协力	qí xīn xié lì	to work with a common purpose; to make concerted efforts; to pull together; to work as one
井底之蛙	jǐng dǐ zhī wā	(idiom) a frog at the bottom of a well; a person with a narrow outlook
坐井观天	zuò jǐng guān tiān	(idiom) to view the sky from the bottom of a well; to have limited outlook
塞翁失马	sài wēng shī mǎ	(idiom) the old man lost his horse; a blessing in disguise
对牛弹琴	duì niú tán qín	(idiom) to play the lute to a cow; to cast pearls before swine
狐假虎威	hú jiǎ hǔ wēi	(idiom) the fox borrows the tiger's might; to use one's connections to bully others
亡羊补牢	wáng yáng bǔ láo	to mend the pen after sheep are lost; fig. to act belatedly; better late than never; to lock the stable door after the horse has bolted
千军万马	qiān jūn wàn mǎ	magnificent army with thousands of men and horses; impressive display of manpower; all the King's horses and all the King's men
守株待兔	shǒu zhū dài tù	to guard a tree-stump, waiting for rabbits; to wait idly for opportunities; to trust to chance rather than show initiative
来龙去脉	lái lóng qù mài	the rise and fall of the terrain; (fig.) the whole sequence of events; causes and effects
画蛇添足	huà shé tiān zú	draw legs on a snake; fig. to ruin the effect by adding sth superfluous; to overdo it
鸦雀无声	yā què wú shēng	crow and peacock make no sound; absolute silence; not a single voice can be heard; absolute silence
鹤立鸡群	hè lì jī qún	a crane in a flock of chicken; way above the common; manifestly superior
熟视无睹	shú shì wú dǔ	(idiom) to turn a blind eye to; to ignore despite seeing frequently
百闻不如一见	bǎi wén bù rú yī jiàn	(idiom) seeing is believing; hearing about something a hundred times is not as good as seeing it once
耳濡目染	ěr rú mù rǎn	(idiom) to be influenced by what one constantly sees and hears
一目了然	yī mù liǎo rán	obvious at a glance;
一言不发	yī yán bù fā	to not say a word;
出口成章	chū kǒu chéng zhāng	(of one's speech) eloquent; articulate
力不从心	lì bù cóng xīn	less capable than desirable; not as strong as one would wish; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
容光焕发	róng guāng huàn fā	face glowing; looking radiant; all smiles
小心翼翼	xiǎo xīn yì yì	cautious and solemn; very carefully; prudent; gently and cautiously
异口同声	yì kǒu tóng shēng	different mouths, same voice; to speak in unison;
惊心动魄	jīng xīn dòng pò	heart-stopping; hair-raising; breathtaking
愁眉苦脸	chóu méi kǔ liǎn	to look anxious; to look miserable
指手画脚	zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo	to gesticulate while talking; to explain by waving one's hands; to criticize or give orders summarily
措手不及	cuò shǒu bù jí	no time to deal with it; caught unprepared
目不转睛	mù bù zhuǎn jīng	unable to take one's eyes off; to gaze steadily; to stare
目中无人	mù zhōng wú rén	to consider everyone else beneath one; so arrogant that no-one else matters; condescending; to go about with one's nose in the air
目瞪口呆	mù dèng kǒu dāi	dumbstruck; stupefied; stunned
眉开眼笑	méi kāi yǎn xiào	brows raised in delight, eyes laughing; beaming with joy; all smiles
称心如意	chèn xīn rú yì	after one's own heart; gratifying; satisfactory; everything one could wish
美中不足	měi zhōng bù zú	everything is fine except for one small defect; the fly in the ointment
耳熟能详	ěr shú néng xiáng	what's frequently heard can be repeated in detail;
袖手旁观	xiù shǒu páng guān	to watch with folded arms; to look on without lifting a finger
触目惊心	chù mù jīng xīn	shocks the eye, astonishes the heart; shocking; horrible to see; a ghastly sight
赞不绝口	zàn bù jué kǒu	to praise without cease; praise sb to high heaven
随心所欲	suí xīn suǒ yù	to follow one's heart's desires; to do as one pleases;
面目全非	miàn mù quán fēi	nothing remains the same; change beyond recognition
面面俱到	miàn miàn jù dào	take care of everything; handle everything
五颜六色	wǔ yán liù sè	(idiom) colorful; all the colors of the rainbow
张灯结彩	zhāng dēng jié cǎi	to be decorated with lanterns and colored banners;
五湖四海	wǔ hú sì hǎi	(idiom) all corners of the world; from far and wide
一见钟情	yī jiàn zhōng qíng	(idiom) to fall in love at first sight
七上八下	qī shàng bā xià	(idiom) an unsettled state of mind; to feel anxious or perturbed
三心二意	sān xīn èr yì	(idiom) half-hearted; to be of two minds; to be indecisive
口是心非	kǒu shì xīn fēi	(idiom) to say yes but mean no; hypocritical
叶公好龙	yè gōng hào lóng	(idiom) Lord Ye's love of dragons; to profess a love for something one actually fears
如释重负	rú shì zhòng fù	(idiom) as if relieved of a heavy burden; to feel a great sense of relief
心不在焉	xīn bù zài yān	(idiom) absent-minded; distracted; not paying attention
心旷神怡	xīn kuàng shén yí	(idiom) relaxed and happy; carefree and content
杞人忧天	qǐ rén yōu tiān	(idiom) groundless fears; unnecessary worry
见异思迁	jiàn yì sī qiān	(idiom) to change one's mind upon seeing something new; to be fickle
豁然开朗	huò rán kāi lǎng	(idiom) to suddenly see the light; to become enlightened
一塌糊涂	yī tā hú tu	muddled and completely collapsing; in an awful condition; complete shambles; a total mess
一如既往	yī rú jì wǎng	just as in the past; as before; continuing as always
一干二净	yī gān èr jìng	thoroughly; completely; one and all; very clean
一成不变	yī chéng bù biàn	immutable; impervious to change; set in stone
一技之长	yī jì zhī cháng	proficiency in a particular field; skill in a specialized area;
一无所有	yī wú suǒ yǒu	not having anything at all; utterly lacking; without two sticks to rub together
一无所知	yī wú suǒ zhī	not knowing anything at all; completely ignorant; without an inkling
一概而论	yī gài ér lùn	to lump different matters together;
不以为然	bù yǐ wéi rán	not to accept as correct; to object; to disapprove; to take exception to
不由自主	bù yóu zì zhǔ	can't help; involuntarily;
与众不同	yǔ zhòng bù tóng	to stand out from the masses;
依依不舍	yī yī bù shě	reluctant to part; broken-hearted at having to leave
光明磊落	guāng míng lěi luò	open and candid; straightforward and upright
兴高采烈	xìng gāo cǎi liè	happy and excited; in high spirits; in great delight
出人意料	chū rén yì liào	unexpected; surprising
力所能及	lì suǒ néng jí	as far as one's capabilities extend; to the best of one's ability; within one's powers
吃喝玩乐	chī hē wán lè	to eat, drink and be merry; to abandon oneself to a life of pleasure
后顾之忧	hòu gù zhī yōu	fears of trouble in the rear; family worries (obstructing freedom of action); worries about the future consequences; often in negative expressions, meaning "no worries about anything"
哄堂大笑	hōng táng dà xiào	the whole room roaring with laughter;
哭笑不得	kū xiào bù dé	not to know whether to laugh or cry; both funny and extremely embarrassing; between laughter and tears
喜出望外	xǐ chū wàng wài	to be pleased beyond one's expectations; overjoyed at the turn of events
喜闻乐见	xǐ wén lè jiàn	to love to hear and see; well received; to one's liking
垂头丧气	chuí tóu sàng qì	hanging one's head dispiritedly; dejected; crestfallen
大惊小怪	dà jīng xiǎo guài	to make a fuss about nothing;
大有可为	dà yǒu kě wéi	with great prospects for the future; well worth doing
大街小巷	dà jiē xiǎo xiàng	great streets and small alleys; everywhere in the city
岂有此理	qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ	how can this be so?; preposterous; ridiculous; absurd
怡然自得	yí rán zì dé	happy and content;
急于求成	jí yú qiú chéng	anxious for quick results; to demand instant success; impatient for result; impetuous
急功近利	jí gōng jìn lì	seeking instant benefit; shortsighted vision, looking only for fast return
恼羞成怒	nǎo xiū chéng nù	to fly into a rage out of humiliation; to be ashamed into anger;
惊慌失措	jīng huāng shī cuò	to lose one's head out of fear;
成群结队	chéng qún jié duì	making up a group, forming a troupe; in large numbers; as a large crowd
无忧无虑	wú yōu wú lu:4	carefree and without worries;
无济于事	wú jì yú shì	to no avail; of no use
无精打采	wú jīng dǎ cǎi	dispirited and downcast; listless; in low spirits; washed out
无能为力	wú néng wéi lì	impotent; powerless; helpless
无话可说	wú huà kě shuō	to have nothing to say;
有声有色	yǒu shēng yǒu sè	having sound and color; vivid; dazzling
有条不紊	yǒu tiáo bù wěn	regular and thorough; methodically arranged
有的放矢	yǒu dì fàng shǐ	to have a target in mind when shooting one's arrows; fig. to have a clear objective
杂乱无章	zá luàn wú zhāng	disordered and in a mess; all mixed up and chaotic
此起彼伏	cǐ qǐ bǐ fú	up here, down there; to rise and fall in succession; no sooner one subsides, the next arises; repeating continuously; occurring again and again (of applause, fires, waves, protests, conflicts, uprisings etc)
津津有味	jīn jīn yǒu wèi	with keen interest; with great pleasure; with gusto; eagerly
源源不断	yuán yuán bù duàn	a steady flow; an unending stream
灵机一动	líng jī yī dòng	a bright idea suddenly occurs; to hit upon an inspiration; to be struck by a brainwave
热泪盈眶	rè lèi yíng kuàng	eyes brimming with tears of excitement; extremely moved
爱不释手	ài bù shì shǒu	to like sth so much that one is reluctant to put it down; to find sth utterly irresistible
理直气壮	lǐ zhí qì zhuàng	in the right and self-confident; bold and confident with justice on one's side; to have the courage of one's convictions; just and forceful
相辅相成	xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng	to complement one another;
知足常乐	zhī zú cháng lè	satisfied with what one has;
竭尽全力	jié jìn quán lì	to spare no effort; to do one's utmost
自以为是	zì yǐ wéi shì	to believe oneself infallible; to be opinionated
自始至终	zì shǐ zhì zhōng	from start to finish;
走投无路	zǒu tóu wú lù	to be at an impasse; in a tight spot; at the end of one's rope; desperate
身不由己	shēn bù yóu jǐ	without the freedom to act independently; involuntary; not of one's own volition; in spite of oneself
迫不及待	pò bù jí dài	impatient; in a hurry; itching to get on with it
锲而不舍	qiè ér bù shě	to chip away at a task and not abandon it; to chisel away at sth; to persevere; unflagging efforts
顺其自然	shùn qí zì rán	to let nature take its course;
顾全大局	gù quán dà jú	to take the big picture into consideration; to work for the benefits of all
默默无闻	mò mò wú wén	obscure and unknown; an outsider without any reputation; a nobody; an unknown quantity
入乡随俗	rù xiāng suí sú	(idiom) when in Rome, do as the Romans do
同甘共苦	tóng gān gòng kǔ	(idiom) to share joys and hardships; to stick together through thick and thin
众志成城	zhòng zhì chéng chéng	unity of will is an impregnable stronghold;
优胜劣汰	yōu shèng liè tài	survival of the fittest;
倾家荡产	qīng jiā dàng chǎn	to lose a family fortune;
家喻户晓	jiā yù hù xiǎo	understood by everyone; well known; a household name
素不相识	sù bù xiāng shí	to be total strangers;
约定俗成	yuē dìng sú chéng	established by popular usage; common usage agreement; customary convention
罪魁祸首	zuì kuí huò shǒu	criminal ringleader, main offender; main culprit; fig. main cause of a disaster
水滴石穿	shuǐ dī shí chuān	(idiom) dripping water penetrates the stone; constant perseverance yields results
沧海一粟	cāng hǎi yī sù	(idiom) a drop in the ocean; a negligible amount
车水马龙	chē shuǐ mǎ lóng	(idiom) heavy traffic; bustling with activity
近水楼台	jìn shuǐ lóu tái	(idiom) a waterfront pavilion gets the moonlight first; to be in a favorable position
风吹草动	fēng chuī cǎo dòng	(idiom) the slightest sign of trouble; a sign of disturbance
夜以继日	yè yǐ jì rì	night and day; continuous strenuous effort
天经地义	tiān jīng dì yì	heaven's law and earth's principle; fig. right and proper; right and unalterable; a matter of course
峰回路转	fēng huí lù zhuǎn	the mountain road twists around each new peak; (of a mountain road) twisting and turning; fig. an opportunity has come unexpectedly; things have taken a new turn
川流不息	chuān liú bù xī	the stream flows without stopping; unending flow
开天辟地	kāi tiān pì dì	to split heaven and earth apart; refers to the Pangu 盘古 creation myth
得天独厚	dé tiān dú hòu	blessed by heaven; enjoying exceptional advantages; favored by nature
惊天动地	jīng tiān dòng dì	world-shaking;
愚公移山	yú gōng yí shān	the old man moves mountains; fig. where there's a will, there's a way
水涨船高	shuǐ zhǎng chuán gāo	the tide rises, the boat floats; fig. to change with the overall trend; to develop according to the situation
水落石出	shuǐ luò shí chū	as the water recedes, the rocks appear; the truth comes to light
络绎不绝	luò yì bù jué	continuously; in an endless stream
翻天覆地	fān tiān fù dì	sky and the earth turning upside down; fig. complete confusion; everything turned on its head
雪上加霜	xuě shàng jiā shuāng	to make matters even worse; to add insult to injury
风和日丽	fēng hé rì lì	moderate wind, beautiful sun; fine sunny weather, esp. in springtime
风土人情	fēng tǔ rén qíng	local conditions and customs;
风餐露宿	fēng cān lù sù	to eat in the open air and sleep outdoors; fig. to rough it
九死一生	jiǔ sǐ yī shēng	(idiom) a narrow escape from death; to survive a deadly ordeal
人山人海	rén shān rén hǎi	(idiom) huge crowds of people; a sea of faces
千言万语	qiān yán wàn yǔ	(idiom) thousands of words; having a lot to say
学富五车	xué fù wǔ chē	(idiom) to be extremely learned; of great erudition
浩如烟海	hào rú yān hǎi	(idiom) vast as the ocean; voluminous (of books, information)
百发百中	bǎi fā bǎi zhòng	(idiom) to hit the target every time; to be highly accurate
一举两得	yī jǔ liǎng dé	one move, two gains; two birds with one stone
千方百计	qiān fāng bǎi jì	thousand ways, a hundred plans; by every possible means
千钧一发	qiān jūn yī fà	a thousand pounds hangs by a thread; imminent peril; a matter of life or death
寥寥无几	liáo liáo wú jǐ	just a very few; tiny number; not many at all; You count them on your fingers.
层出不穷	céng chū bù qióng	more and more emerge; innumerable succession; breeding like flies;
一模一样	yī mú yī yàng	(idiom) exactly the same; identical
无价之宝	wú jià zhī bǎo	(idiom) priceless treasure; invaluable asset
牢不可破	láo bù kě pò	(idiom) unbreakable; indestructible; rock-solid
马马虎虎	mǎ mǎ hū hū	(idiom) so-so; careless; just passable
一丝不苟	yī sī bù gǒu	not one thread loose; strictly according to the rules; meticulous; not one hair out of place
一毛不拔	yī máo bù bá	stingy;
万无一失	wàn wú yī shī	surefire; absolutely safe;
举足轻重	jǔ zú qīng zhòng	to play a critical role; influential
乱七八糟	luàn qī bā zāo	chaotic; in disorder; muddled
势不可当	shì bù kě dāng	impossible to resist; an irresistible force
司空见惯	sī kōng jiàn guàn	a common occurrence;
名副其实	míng fù qí shí	not just in name only, but also in reality; aptly named; worthy of the name
应有尽有	yīng yǒu jìn yǒu	everything that should be here is here; all one can think of is on hand; to have all one needs
当之无愧	dāng zhī wú kuì	fully deserving, without any reservations; entirely worthy (of a title, honor etc)
得不偿失	dé bù cháng shī	the gains do not make up for the losses;
恰如其分	qià rú qí fèn	appropriate; apt; just right
无微不至	wú wēi bù zhì	in every possible way; meticulous
无所事事	wú suǒ shì shì	to have nothing to do; to idle one's time away;
无所作为	wú suǒ zuò wéi	attempting nothing and accomplishing nothing; without any initiative or drive; feckless
朝气蓬勃	zhāo qì péng bó	full of youthful energy; vigorous; energetic; a bright spark
格格不入	gé gé bù rù	inharmonious; incompatible
欣欣向荣	xīn xīn xiàng róng	flourishing; thriving
独一无二	dú yī wú èr	unique and unmatched; unrivalled; nothing compares with it
理所当然	lǐ suǒ dāng rán	as it should be by rights; proper and to be expected as a matter of course; inevitable and right
绘声绘色	huì shēng huì sè	vivid and colorful; true to life; lively and realistic
苦尽甘来	kǔ jìn gān lái	bitterness finishes, sweetness begins; the hard times are over, the good times just beginning
错综复杂	cuò zōng fù zá	tangled and complicated;
三言两语	sān yán liǎng yǔ	(idiom) in a few words; briefly and concisely
专心致志	zhuān xīn zhì zhì	(idiom) to concentrate one's attention; to be wholly absorbed
人云亦云	rén yún yì yún	(idiom) to parrot what others say; to echo others without independent judgment
前车之鉴	qián chē zhī jiàn	(idiom) lessons from the failure of one's predecessor; to learn from past mistakes
抛砖引玉	pāo zhuān yǐn yù	(idiom) to cast a brick to attract jade; to offer a humble remark to elicit better ideas
自相矛盾	zì xiāng máo dùn	(idiom) to contradict oneself; self-contradictory
防患未然	fáng huàn wèi rán	(idiom) to prevent trouble before it happens; to take preventive measures
颠倒黑白	diān dǎo hēi bái	(idiom) to confuse black and white; to distort the truth
饮水思源	yǐn shuǐ sī yuán	(idiom) when drinking water, think of its source; to remember where one's blessings come from
一言一行	yī yán yī xíng	every word and action;
三番五次	sān fān wǔ cì	over and over again;
不假思索	bù jiǎ sī suǒ	to act without taking time to think; to react instantly; to fire from the hip
不可思议	bù kě sī yì	inconceivable; unimaginable; unfathomable
举一反三	jǔ yī fǎn sān	to raise one and infer three; to deduce many things from one case;
似是而非	sì shì ér fēi	apparently right but actually wrong; specious;
引经据典	yǐn jīng jù diǎn	to quote the classics; to quote chapter and verse;
念念不忘	niàn niàn bù wàng	to keep in mind constantly;
思前想后	sī qián xiǎng hòu	to consider past cause and future effect; to think over the past and future; to ponder over reasons and connection
接二连三	jiē èr lián sān	one after another; in quick succession
显而易见	xiǎn ér yì jiàn	clearly and easy to see; obviously; clearly; it goes without saying
深入人心	shēn rù rén xīn	to enter deeply into people's hearts; to have a real impact on the people;
滔滔不绝	tāo tāo bù jué	unceasing torrent; talking non-stop; gabbling forty to the dozen
相提并论	xiāng tí bìng lùn	to discuss two disparate things together; to mention on equal terms; to place on a par with; (often with negatives: impossible to mention X in the same breath as Y)
聚精会神	jù jīng huì shén	to concentrate one's attention;
胡思乱想	hú sī luàn xiǎng	to indulge in flights of fancy; to let one's imagination run wild
胸有成竹	xiōng yǒu chéng zhú	to have a well thought out plan in mind
莫名其妙	mò míng qí miào	baffling; bizarre; without rhyme or reason; inexplicable
诸如此类	zhū rú cǐ lèi	things like this; and so on; and the rest; etc
鹏程万里	péng chéng wàn lǐ	the fabled roc flies ten thousand miles; one's future prospects are brilliant
光阴似箭	guāng yīn sì jiàn	(idiom) time flies like an arrow
日积月累	rì jī yuè lěi	(idiom) to accumulate over time; steady accumulation
朝令夕改	zhāo lìng xī gǎi	(idiom) to change one's mind constantly; inconsistent policies
前无古人	qián wú gǔ rén	unprecedented; unheard of
古今中外	gǔ jīn zhōng wài	at all times and in all places;
因人而异	yīn rén ér yì	varying from person to person; different for each individual
天长地久	tiān cháng dì jiǔ	enduring while the world lasts; eternal
损人利己	sǔn rén lì jǐ	harming others for one's personal benefit; personal gain to the detriment of others
新陈代谢	xīn chén dài xiè	metabolism (biology); the new replaces the old;
日新月异	rì xīn yuè yì	daily renewal, monthly change; every day sees new developments; rapid progress
记忆犹新	jì yì yóu xīn	to remain fresh in one's memory;

Word

Pinyin

Meaning

一举成名

yī jǔ chéng míng

(idiom) to become famous overnight; to achieve instant fame

一视同仁

yī shì tóng rén

(idiom) to treat everyone equally; without discrimination

一诺千金

yī nuò qiān jīn

(idiom) a promise worth a thousand gold; to be as good as one's word

千里之行

qiān lǐ zhī xíng

(idiom) a thousand-mile journey; a long-term endeavor

呕心沥血

ǒu xīn lì xuè

(idiom) to put one's heart and soul into; to work extremely hard

坚持不懈

jiān chí bù xiè

(idiom) to persist without giving up; unremitting

学以致用

xué yǐ zhì yòng

(idiom) to study in order to apply it; to put learning into practice

拔苗助长

bá miáo zhù zhǎng

(idiom) to pull up seedlings to help them grow; to spoil things through excessive enthusiasm

掩耳盗铃

yǎn ěr dào líng

(idiom) to cover one's ears while stealing a bell; to deceive oneself

有备无患

yǒu bèi wú huàn

(idiom) preparedness prevents calamity; to be prepared and thus avoid trouble

未雨绸缪

wèi yǔ chóu móu

(idiom) to repair the house before it rains; to take preventive measures

熟能生巧

shú néng shēng qiǎo

(idiom) skill comes from practice; practice makes perfect

班门弄斧

bān mén nòng fǔ

(idiom) to display one's axe before Lu Ban; to show off in front of an expert

脚踏实地

jiǎo tà shí dì

(idiom) to have one's feet firmly on the ground; to be practical and down-to-earth

不约而同

bù yuē ér tóng

to agree by chance; taking the same action without prior consultation

东奔西走

dōng bēn xī zǒu

to run this way and that; to rush about busily; to bustle about; to hopscotch; also 东跑西颠

东张西望

dōng zhāng xī wàng

to look in all directions; to glance around

争先恐后

zhēng xiān kǒng hòu

striving to be first and fearing to be last; outdoing one another

争分夺秒

zhēng fēn duó miǎo

fight minutes, snatch seconds; a race against time; making every second count

以身作则

yǐ shēn zuò zé

to set an example; to serve as a model

兢兢业业

jīng jīng yè yè

conscientious; assiduous

再接再厉

zài jiē zài lì

to continue the struggle; to persist; unremitting efforts

刻舟求剑

kè zhōu qiú jiàn

a notch on the side of a boat to locate a sword dropped overboard; fig. an action made pointless by changed circumstances

前赴后继

qián fù hòu jì

to advance dauntlessly in wave upon wave;

化险为夷

huà xiǎn wéi yí

to turn peril into safety; to avert disaster

半途而废

bàn tú ér fèi

to give up halfway; leave sth unfinished

取而代之

qǔ ér dài zhī

to replace; to supersede; to take its (or her etc) place

同舟共济

tóng zhōu gòng jì

cross a river in the same boat; fig. having common interests; obliged to collaborate towards common goals

实事求是

shí shì qiú shì

to seek truth from facts; fig. to be practical and realistic

左顾右盼

zuǒ gù yòu pàn

glancing to left and right; to look all around

废寝忘食

fèi qǐn wàng shí

to neglect sleep and forget about food; to skip one's sleep and meals; to be completely wrapped up in one's work

弄虚作假

nòng xū zuò jiǎ

to practice fraud; by trickery

循序渐进

xún xù jiàn jìn

in sequence, step by step; to make steady progress incrementally

息息相关

xī xī xiāng guān

closely bound up; intimately related

想方设法

xiǎng fāng shè fǎ

to think up every possible method; to devise ways and means; to try this, that and the other

持之以恒

chí zhī yǐ héng

to pursue unremittingly; to persevere

改邪归正

gǎi xié guī zhèng

to mend one's ways; to turn over a new leaf

敬而远之

jìng ér yuǎn zhī

to show respect from a distance; to remain at a respectful distance

斩钉截铁

zhǎn dīng jié tiě

to chop the nail and slice the iron; fig. resolute and decisive; unhesitating; categorical

朝三暮四

zhāo sān mù sì

say three in the morning but four in the evening; to change sth that is already settled upon; indecisive; to blow hot and cold

朝夕相处

zhāo xī xiāng chǔ

to spend all one's time together;

熙熙攘攘

xī xī rǎng rǎng

bustling with activity;

画龙点睛

huà lóng diǎn jīng

to paint a dragon and dot in the eyes; fig. to add the vital finishing touch; the crucial point that brings the subject to life; a few words to clinch the point

精打细算

jīng dǎ xì suàn

meticulous planning and careful accounting;

精疲力竭

jīng pí lì jié

spirit weary, strength exhausted; spent; drained; washed out

精益求精

jīng yì qiú jīng

to perfect sth that is already outstanding; constantly improving

脱颖而出

tuō yǐng ér chū

to reveal one's talent; to rise above others; to distinguish oneself

自力更生

zì lì gēng shēng

regeneration through one's own effort; self-reliance

节衣缩食

jié yī suō shí

to save on food and clothing; to live frugally

萍水相逢

píng shuǐ xiāng féng

strangers coming together by chance;

见仁见智

jiàn rén jiàn zhì

opinions differ;

见多识广

jiàn duō shí guǎng

experienced and knowledgeable;

针锋相对

zhēn fēng xiāng duì

to oppose each other with equal harshness; tit for tat; measure for measure

齐心协力

qí xīn xié lì

to work with a common purpose; to make concerted efforts; to pull together; to work as one

井底之蛙

jǐng dǐ zhī wā

(idiom) a frog at the bottom of a well; a person with a narrow outlook

坐井观天

zuò jǐng guān tiān

(idiom) to view the sky from the bottom of a well; to have limited outlook

塞翁失马

sài wēng shī mǎ

(idiom) the old man lost his horse; a blessing in disguise

对牛弹琴

duì niú tán qín

(idiom) to play the lute to a cow; to cast pearls before swine

狐假虎威

hú jiǎ hǔ wēi

(idiom) the fox borrows the tiger's might; to use one's connections to bully others

亡羊补牢

wáng yáng bǔ láo

to mend the pen after sheep are lost; fig. to act belatedly; better late than never; to lock the stable door after the horse has bolted

千军万马

qiān jūn wàn mǎ

magnificent army with thousands of men and horses; impressive display of manpower; all the King's horses and all the King's men

守株待兔

shǒu zhū dài tù

to guard a tree-stump, waiting for rabbits; to wait idly for opportunities; to trust to chance rather than show initiative

来龙去脉

lái lóng qù mài

the rise and fall of the terrain; (fig.) the whole sequence of events; causes and effects

画蛇添足

huà shé tiān zú

draw legs on a snake; fig. to ruin the effect by adding sth superfluous; to overdo it

鸦雀无声

yā què wú shēng

crow and peacock make no sound; absolute silence; not a single voice can be heard; absolute silence

鹤立鸡群

hè lì jī qún

a crane in a flock of chicken; way above the common; manifestly superior

熟视无睹

shú shì wú dǔ

(idiom) to turn a blind eye to; to ignore despite seeing frequently

百闻不如一见

bǎi wén bù rú yī jiàn

(idiom) seeing is believing; hearing about something a hundred times is not as good as seeing it once

耳濡目染

ěr rú mù rǎn

(idiom) to be influenced by what one constantly sees and hears

一目了然

yī mù liǎo rán

obvious at a glance;

一言不发

yī yán bù fā

to not say a word;

出口成章

chū kǒu chéng zhāng

(of one's speech) eloquent; articulate

力不从心

lì bù cóng xīn

less capable than desirable; not as strong as one would wish; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

容光焕发

róng guāng huàn fā

face glowing; looking radiant; all smiles

小心翼翼

xiǎo xīn yì yì

cautious and solemn; very carefully; prudent; gently and cautiously

异口同声

yì kǒu tóng shēng

different mouths, same voice; to speak in unison;

惊心动魄

jīng xīn dòng pò

heart-stopping; hair-raising; breathtaking

愁眉苦脸

chóu méi kǔ liǎn

to look anxious; to look miserable

指手画脚

zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo

to gesticulate while talking; to explain by waving one's hands; to criticize or give orders summarily

措手不及

cuò shǒu bù jí

no time to deal with it; caught unprepared

目不转睛

mù bù zhuǎn jīng

unable to take one's eyes off; to gaze steadily; to stare

目中无人

mù zhōng wú rén

to consider everyone else beneath one; so arrogant that no-one else matters; condescending; to go about with one's nose in the air

目瞪口呆

mù dèng kǒu dāi

dumbstruck; stupefied; stunned

眉开眼笑

méi kāi yǎn xiào

brows raised in delight, eyes laughing; beaming with joy; all smiles

称心如意

chèn xīn rú yì

after one's own heart; gratifying; satisfactory; everything one could wish

美中不足

měi zhōng bù zú

everything is fine except for one small defect; the fly in the ointment

耳熟能详

ěr shú néng xiáng

what's frequently heard can be repeated in detail;

袖手旁观

xiù shǒu páng guān

to watch with folded arms; to look on without lifting a finger

触目惊心

chù mù jīng xīn

shocks the eye, astonishes the heart; shocking; horrible to see; a ghastly sight

赞不绝口

zàn bù jué kǒu

to praise without cease; praise sb to high heaven

随心所欲

suí xīn suǒ yù

to follow one's heart's desires; to do as one pleases;

面目全非

miàn mù quán fēi

nothing remains the same; change beyond recognition

面面俱到

miàn miàn jù dào

take care of everything; handle everything

五颜六色

wǔ yán liù sè

(idiom) colorful; all the colors of the rainbow

张灯结彩

zhāng dēng jié cǎi

to be decorated with lanterns and colored banners;

五湖四海

wǔ hú sì hǎi

(idiom) all corners of the world; from far and wide

一见钟情

yī jiàn zhōng qíng

(idiom) to fall in love at first sight

七上八下

qī shàng bā xià

(idiom) an unsettled state of mind; to feel anxious or perturbed

三心二意

sān xīn èr yì

(idiom) half-hearted; to be of two minds; to be indecisive

口是心非

kǒu shì xīn fēi

(idiom) to say yes but mean no; hypocritical

叶公好龙

yè gōng hào lóng

(idiom) Lord Ye's love of dragons; to profess a love for something one actually fears

如释重负

rú shì zhòng fù

(idiom) as if relieved of a heavy burden; to feel a great sense of relief

心不在焉

xīn bù zài yān

(idiom) absent-minded; distracted; not paying attention

心旷神怡

xīn kuàng shén yí

(idiom) relaxed and happy; carefree and content

杞人忧天

qǐ rén yōu tiān

(idiom) groundless fears; unnecessary worry

见异思迁

jiàn yì sī qiān

(idiom) to change one's mind upon seeing something new; to be fickle

豁然开朗

huò rán kāi lǎng

(idiom) to suddenly see the light; to become enlightened

一塌糊涂

yī tā hú tu

muddled and completely collapsing; in an awful condition; complete shambles; a total mess

一如既往

yī rú jì wǎng

just as in the past; as before; continuing as always

一干二净

yī gān èr jìng

thoroughly; completely; one and all; very clean

一成不变

yī chéng bù biàn

immutable; impervious to change; set in stone

一技之长

yī jì zhī cháng

proficiency in a particular field; skill in a specialized area;

一无所有

yī wú suǒ yǒu

not having anything at all; utterly lacking; without two sticks to rub together

一无所知

yī wú suǒ zhī

not knowing anything at all; completely ignorant; without an inkling

一概而论

yī gài ér lùn

to lump different matters together;

不以为然

bù yǐ wéi rán

not to accept as correct; to object; to disapprove; to take exception to

不由自主

bù yóu zì zhǔ

can't help; involuntarily;

与众不同

yǔ zhòng bù tóng

to stand out from the masses;

依依不舍

yī yī bù shě

reluctant to part; broken-hearted at having to leave

光明磊落

guāng míng lěi luò

open and candid; straightforward and upright

兴高采烈

xìng gāo cǎi liè

happy and excited; in high spirits; in great delight

出人意料

chū rén yì liào

unexpected; surprising

力所能及

lì suǒ néng jí

as far as one's capabilities extend; to the best of one's ability; within one's powers

吃喝玩乐

chī hē wán lè

to eat, drink and be merry; to abandon oneself to a life of pleasure

后顾之忧

hòu gù zhī yōu

fears of trouble in the rear; family worries (obstructing freedom of action); worries about the future consequences; often in negative expressions, meaning "no worries about anything"

哄堂大笑

hōng táng dà xiào

the whole room roaring with laughter;

哭笑不得

kū xiào bù dé

not to know whether to laugh or cry; both funny and extremely embarrassing; between laughter and tears

喜出望外

xǐ chū wàng wài

to be pleased beyond one's expectations; overjoyed at the turn of events

喜闻乐见

xǐ wén lè jiàn

to love to hear and see; well received; to one's liking

垂头丧气

chuí tóu sàng qì

hanging one's head dispiritedly; dejected; crestfallen

大惊小怪

dà jīng xiǎo guài

to make a fuss about nothing;

大有可为

dà yǒu kě wéi

with great prospects for the future; well worth doing

大街小巷

dà jiē xiǎo xiàng

great streets and small alleys; everywhere in the city

岂有此理

qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ

how can this be so?; preposterous; ridiculous; absurd

怡然自得

yí rán zì dé

happy and content;

急于求成

jí yú qiú chéng

anxious for quick results; to demand instant success; impatient for result; impetuous

急功近利

jí gōng jìn lì

seeking instant benefit; shortsighted vision, looking only for fast return

恼羞成怒

nǎo xiū chéng nù

to fly into a rage out of humiliation; to be ashamed into anger;

惊慌失措

jīng huāng shī cuò

to lose one's head out of fear;

成群结队

chéng qún jié duì

making up a group, forming a troupe; in large numbers; as a large crowd

无忧无虑

wú yōu wú lu:4

carefree and without worries;

无济于事

wú jì yú shì

to no avail; of no use

无精打采

wú jīng dǎ cǎi

dispirited and downcast; listless; in low spirits; washed out

无能为力

wú néng wéi lì

impotent; powerless; helpless

无话可说

wú huà kě shuō

to have nothing to say;

有声有色

yǒu shēng yǒu sè

having sound and color; vivid; dazzling

有条不紊

yǒu tiáo bù wěn

regular and thorough; methodically arranged

有的放矢

yǒu dì fàng shǐ

to have a target in mind when shooting one's arrows; fig. to have a clear objective

杂乱无章

zá luàn wú zhāng

disordered and in a mess; all mixed up and chaotic

此起彼伏

cǐ qǐ bǐ fú

up here, down there; to rise and fall in succession; no sooner one subsides, the next arises; repeating continuously; occurring again and again (of applause, fires, waves, protests, conflicts, uprisings etc)

津津有味

jīn jīn yǒu wèi

with keen interest; with great pleasure; with gusto; eagerly

源源不断

yuán yuán bù duàn

a steady flow; an unending stream

灵机一动

líng jī yī dòng

a bright idea suddenly occurs; to hit upon an inspiration; to be struck by a brainwave

热泪盈眶

rè lèi yíng kuàng

eyes brimming with tears of excitement; extremely moved

爱不释手

ài bù shì shǒu

to like sth so much that one is reluctant to put it down; to find sth utterly irresistible

理直气壮

lǐ zhí qì zhuàng

in the right and self-confident; bold and confident with justice on one's side; to have the courage of one's convictions; just and forceful

相辅相成

xiāng fǔ xiāng chéng

to complement one another;

知足常乐

zhī zú cháng lè

satisfied with what one has;

竭尽全力

jié jìn quán lì

to spare no effort; to do one's utmost

自以为是

zì yǐ wéi shì

to believe oneself infallible; to be opinionated

自始至终

zì shǐ zhì zhōng

from start to finish;

走投无路

zǒu tóu wú lù

to be at an impasse; in a tight spot; at the end of one's rope; desperate

身不由己

shēn bù yóu jǐ

without the freedom to act independently; involuntary; not of one's own volition; in spite of oneself

迫不及待

pò bù jí dài

impatient; in a hurry; itching to get on with it

锲而不舍

qiè ér bù shě

to chip away at a task and not abandon it; to chisel away at sth; to persevere; unflagging efforts

顺其自然

shùn qí zì rán

to let nature take its course;

顾全大局

gù quán dà jú

to take the big picture into consideration; to work for the benefits of all

默默无闻

mò mò wú wén

obscure and unknown; an outsider without any reputation; a nobody; an unknown quantity

入乡随俗

rù xiāng suí sú

(idiom) when in Rome, do as the Romans do

同甘共苦

tóng gān gòng kǔ

(idiom) to share joys and hardships; to stick together through thick and thin

众志成城

zhòng zhì chéng chéng

unity of will is an impregnable stronghold;

优胜劣汰

yōu shèng liè tài

survival of the fittest;

倾家荡产

qīng jiā dàng chǎn

to lose a family fortune;

家喻户晓

jiā yù hù xiǎo

understood by everyone; well known; a household name

素不相识

sù bù xiāng shí

to be total strangers;

约定俗成

yuē dìng sú chéng

established by popular usage; common usage agreement; customary convention

罪魁祸首

zuì kuí huò shǒu

criminal ringleader, main offender; main culprit; fig. main cause of a disaster

水滴石穿

shuǐ dī shí chuān

(idiom) dripping water penetrates the stone; constant perseverance yields results

沧海一粟

cāng hǎi yī sù

(idiom) a drop in the ocean; a negligible amount

车水马龙

chē shuǐ mǎ lóng

(idiom) heavy traffic; bustling with activity

近水楼台

jìn shuǐ lóu tái

(idiom) a waterfront pavilion gets the moonlight first; to be in a favorable position

风吹草动

fēng chuī cǎo dòng

(idiom) the slightest sign of trouble; a sign of disturbance

夜以继日

yè yǐ jì rì

night and day; continuous strenuous effort

天经地义

tiān jīng dì yì

heaven's law and earth's principle; fig. right and proper; right and unalterable; a matter of course

峰回路转

fēng huí lù zhuǎn

the mountain road twists around each new peak; (of a mountain road) twisting and turning; fig. an opportunity has come unexpectedly; things have taken a new turn

川流不息

chuān liú bù xī

the stream flows without stopping; unending flow

开天辟地

kāi tiān pì dì

to split heaven and earth apart; refers to the Pangu 盘古 creation myth

得天独厚

dé tiān dú hòu

blessed by heaven; enjoying exceptional advantages; favored by nature

惊天动地

jīng tiān dòng dì

world-shaking;

愚公移山

yú gōng yí shān

the old man moves mountains; fig. where there's a will, there's a way

水涨船高

shuǐ zhǎng chuán gāo

the tide rises, the boat floats; fig. to change with the overall trend; to develop according to the situation

水落石出

shuǐ luò shí chū

as the water recedes, the rocks appear; the truth comes to light

络绎不绝

luò yì bù jué

continuously; in an endless stream

翻天覆地

fān tiān fù dì

sky and the earth turning upside down; fig. complete confusion; everything turned on its head

雪上加霜

xuě shàng jiā shuāng

to make matters even worse; to add insult to injury

风和日丽

fēng hé rì lì

moderate wind, beautiful sun; fine sunny weather, esp. in springtime

风土人情

fēng tǔ rén qíng

local conditions and customs;

风餐露宿

fēng cān lù sù

to eat in the open air and sleep outdoors; fig. to rough it

九死一生

jiǔ sǐ yī shēng

(idiom) a narrow escape from death; to survive a deadly ordeal

人山人海

rén shān rén hǎi

(idiom) huge crowds of people; a sea of faces

千言万语

qiān yán wàn yǔ

(idiom) thousands of words; having a lot to say

学富五车

xué fù wǔ chē

(idiom) to be extremely learned; of great erudition

浩如烟海

hào rú yān hǎi

(idiom) vast as the ocean; voluminous (of books, information)

百发百中

bǎi fā bǎi zhòng

(idiom) to hit the target every time; to be highly accurate

一举两得

yī jǔ liǎng dé

one move, two gains; two birds with one stone

千方百计

qiān fāng bǎi jì

thousand ways, a hundred plans; by every possible means

千钧一发

qiān jūn yī fà

a thousand pounds hangs by a thread; imminent peril; a matter of life or death

寥寥无几

liáo liáo wú jǐ

just a very few; tiny number; not many at all; You count them on your fingers.

层出不穷

céng chū bù qióng

more and more emerge; innumerable succession; breeding like flies;

一模一样

yī mú yī yàng

(idiom) exactly the same; identical

无价之宝

wú jià zhī bǎo

(idiom) priceless treasure; invaluable asset

牢不可破

láo bù kě pò

(idiom) unbreakable; indestructible; rock-solid

马马虎虎

mǎ mǎ hū hū

(idiom) so-so; careless; just passable

一丝不苟

yī sī bù gǒu

not one thread loose; strictly according to the rules; meticulous; not one hair out of place

一毛不拔

yī máo bù bá

stingy;

万无一失

wàn wú yī shī

surefire; absolutely safe;

举足轻重

jǔ zú qīng zhòng

to play a critical role; influential

乱七八糟

luàn qī bā zāo

chaotic; in disorder; muddled

势不可当

shì bù kě dāng

impossible to resist; an irresistible force

司空见惯

sī kōng jiàn guàn

a common occurrence;

名副其实

míng fù qí shí

not just in name only, but also in reality; aptly named; worthy of the name

应有尽有

yīng yǒu jìn yǒu

everything that should be here is here; all one can think of is on hand; to have all one needs

当之无愧

dāng zhī wú kuì

fully deserving, without any reservations; entirely worthy (of a title, honor etc)

得不偿失

dé bù cháng shī

the gains do not make up for the losses;

恰如其分

qià rú qí fèn

appropriate; apt; just right

无微不至

wú wēi bù zhì

in every possible way; meticulous

无所事事

wú suǒ shì shì

to have nothing to do; to idle one's time away;

无所作为

wú suǒ zuò wéi

attempting nothing and accomplishing nothing; without any initiative or drive; feckless

朝气蓬勃

zhāo qì péng bó

full of youthful energy; vigorous; energetic; a bright spark

格格不入

gé gé bù rù

inharmonious; incompatible

欣欣向荣

xīn xīn xiàng róng

flourishing; thriving

独一无二

dú yī wú èr

unique and unmatched; unrivalled; nothing compares with it

理所当然

lǐ suǒ dāng rán

as it should be by rights; proper and to be expected as a matter of course; inevitable and right

绘声绘色

huì shēng huì sè

vivid and colorful; true to life; lively and realistic

苦尽甘来

kǔ jìn gān lái

bitterness finishes, sweetness begins; the hard times are over, the good times just beginning

错综复杂

cuò zōng fù zá

tangled and complicated;

三言两语

sān yán liǎng yǔ

(idiom) in a few words; briefly and concisely

专心致志

zhuān xīn zhì zhì

(idiom) to concentrate one's attention; to be wholly absorbed

人云亦云

rén yún yì yún

(idiom) to parrot what others say; to echo others without independent judgment

前车之鉴

qián chē zhī jiàn

(idiom) lessons from the failure of one's predecessor; to learn from past mistakes

抛砖引玉

pāo zhuān yǐn yù

(idiom) to cast a brick to attract jade; to offer a humble remark to elicit better ideas

自相矛盾

zì xiāng máo dùn

(idiom) to contradict oneself; self-contradictory

防患未然

fáng huàn wèi rán

(idiom) to prevent trouble before it happens; to take preventive measures

颠倒黑白

diān dǎo hēi bái

(idiom) to confuse black and white; to distort the truth

饮水思源

yǐn shuǐ sī yuán

(idiom) when drinking water, think of its source; to remember where one's blessings come from

一言一行

yī yán yī xíng

every word and action;

三番五次

sān fān wǔ cì

over and over again;

不假思索

bù jiǎ sī suǒ

to act without taking time to think; to react instantly; to fire from the hip

不可思议

bù kě sī yì

inconceivable; unimaginable; unfathomable

举一反三

jǔ yī fǎn sān

to raise one and infer three; to deduce many things from one case;

似是而非

sì shì ér fēi

apparently right but actually wrong; specious;

引经据典

yǐn jīng jù diǎn

to quote the classics; to quote chapter and verse;

念念不忘

niàn niàn bù wàng

to keep in mind constantly;

思前想后

sī qián xiǎng hòu

to consider past cause and future effect; to think over the past and future; to ponder over reasons and connection

接二连三

jiē èr lián sān

one after another; in quick succession

显而易见

xiǎn ér yì jiàn

clearly and easy to see; obviously; clearly; it goes without saying

深入人心

shēn rù rén xīn

to enter deeply into people's hearts; to have a real impact on the people;

滔滔不绝

tāo tāo bù jué

unceasing torrent; talking non-stop; gabbling forty to the dozen

相提并论

xiāng tí bìng lùn

to discuss two disparate things together; to mention on equal terms; to place on a par with; (often with negatives: impossible to mention X in the same breath as Y)

聚精会神

jù jīng huì shén

to concentrate one's attention;

胡思乱想

hú sī luàn xiǎng

to indulge in flights of fancy; to let one's imagination run wild

胸有成竹

xiōng yǒu chéng zhú

to have a well thought out plan in mind

莫名其妙

mò míng qí miào

baffling; bizarre; without rhyme or reason; inexplicable