Proverbs
Grains tend to bow their heads as they grow ripe[go well]
A man of culture and high moral repute tends to be more modest.
Something that festers is bound to burst
An expression meaning a negative feeling such as a grudge or conflict is bound to burst if they accumulate.
One is likely to have a balding forehead if one likes freebies too much
(teasing) An expression used to describe someone with a bald forehead.
One is likely to have a balding forehead if one likes freebies too much
(teasing) An expression used to describe someone who likes freebies.
One would drink lye if it is free of charge
An expression used to describe the attitude of accepting anything if it is for free.
A tower would never collapse if it was built with efforts; A carefully and elaborately built tower would never collapse
One will receive rewards if one makes every effort to do something.
Public affairs are public, private affairs are private
One should draw a clear line between affairs related to the state, society, organizations or groups as opposed to personal and private ones.
use big words in front of Confucius
To pretend to know better than someone who is in fact much more knowledgeable and intelligent than oneself.
(like) Confucius says, Mencius says
(figurative) To stick to the theory without putting it into action.
(like) Confucius says, Mencius says
An expression used to describe the manner in which one harangues confucian ethics and doctrine.
(like) Confucius says, Mencius says
An expression used to describe the manner in which one makes pedantic remarks when others are not interested in or unable to understand.
(like) Confucius says, Mencius says
An expression used to describe the manner in which one makes pedantic remarks when others are not interested in or unable to understand.
One would drink lye if it is free of charge
To be eager for something regardless of its quality if it is for free.
A widower knows a widow's sorrow
Something is best understood by someone who has a similar experience or is under the same situation.
The former official is a wise official
Whatever it is, those who have done it several times before or are familiar with it will be better at it.
The former official is a wise official
People tend to belatedly realize that those whom they have known before are much better than those whom they have just met.
Maggots cannot be an excuse for not making soybean paste
A figurative expression to explain that one must do what one has to do despite obstacles.
like a big snake climbing over a wall
An expression used to describe the manner in which one furtively fudges a work and fails to finish it in a clear and complete manner.
A rolling stone gathers no moss
Those who make an effort in a diligent manner will continue to make progress.
Fifty kilograms of beads cannot make a treasure without threading
Everything gains value only if it is made useful no matter how excellent and good it is.
A stone which has just rolled in removes the embedded one
For one who just joined a group to try to expel or harm an old member of the group.
A stone which has just rolled in removes the embedded one
For one who just joined a group to try to expel or harm an existing member of the group.
To be hit by a stone which has just rolled in
For one who just joined a group to try to expel or harm an existing member of the group.
a pumpkin which has just rolled in; an unexpected pumpkin
To gain something good or come across a fortune unexpectedly.