Author: nlt

先聲奪人 (Xiān shēng duó rén) To gain the upper hand by a show of strengthTo seize at the first sound From https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/bookView.jsp?ID=445 This idiom means to first inflate one’s own influence (prestige) in order to suppress the enemy’s morale. This is a commonly used tactic when two armies are facing one another in battle. It…

臥薪嚐膽 (Wò xīn cháng dǎn) Lit. to lie on firewood and taste gall (idiom);Fig. suffering patiently, but firmly resolved on revenge From https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/bookView.jsp?ID=199 According to the “Records of the Grand Historian – Volume 41 – King Goujian of Yue“, in the ending years of the Spring and Autumn Period, Wu and Yue often fought wars…

聞雞起舞 (Wén jī qǐ wǔ) (1) to start practicing at the first crow of the cock (idiom)(2) to be diligent in one’s studies From https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/bookView.jsp?ID=367 According to the Book of Jin – Volume 62 – Biography of Zu Ti, Zu Ti from the Jin Dynasty was of bold character and conducted himself chivalrously toward others….

望洋興嘆 (Wàng yáng xīng tàn) (1) lit. to gaze at the ocean and lament one’s inadequacy (idiom)(2) fig. to feel powerless and incompetent (to perform a task) From https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/bookView.jsp?ID=920 “Gazing at the ocean and lamenting one’s inadequacy” originally refers to seeing and marveling at the vastness of the ocean. This idiom came from Zhuangzi –…

望梅止渴 (Wàng méi zhǐ kě) (1) lit. to quench one’s thirst by thinking of plums (idiom)(2) fig. to console oneself with illusions From https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/bookView.jsp?ID=26 This is an old tale about Cao Cao making up a story that a plum forest just ahead is full of ripe fruits, inducing his soldiers to drool to quench their…