Common Idioms

猫腻 猫腻 refers to a hidden trick or shady deal. Use it when you suspect something unfair or secret is going on.

画蛇添足 画蛇添足 means to ruin something by adding unnecessary details. It comes from a story where someone drew legs on a snake and spoiled it.

掩耳盗铃 掩耳盗铃 describes self-deception: "covering one's ears while stealing a bell." It mocks people who ignore obvious problems.

井底之蛙 井底之蛙 is someone with a limited view, like a frog at the bottom of a well. Use it to gently criticize narrow-mindedness.

打草惊蛇 打草惊蛇 means to alert the enemy unintentionally. Literally, "stirring up grass frightens the snake," it warns against careless actions.

一石二鸟 一石二鸟 is the equivalent of "killing two birds with one stone." It describes achieving two goals with a single action.

胸有成竹 胸有成竹 means to have a well-thought-out plan, literally "having a detailed bamboo painting in one's chest." It conveys confidence from preparation.

夜郎自大 夜郎自大 describes someone arrogantly overestimating themselves. It refers to the ancient Yelang kingdom known for its pride despite small size.

塞翁失马 塞翁失马 teaches that a loss can turn into a gain. The story of an old man losing a horse but gaining fortune shows how misfortune is relative.

画饼充饥 画饼充饥 means to console oneself with empty hopes, literally "drawing cakes to satisfy hunger." It criticizes unrealistic daydreams.

青出于蓝 青出于蓝 praises a student who surpasses the teacher. Literally, "blue comes from indigo," it highlights improvement beyond the origin.

塞翁失马 塞翁失马 teaches that a loss can turn into a gain. The story of an old man losing a horse but gaining fortune shows how misfortune is relative.

Idioms like 猫腻 猫腻 and 画蛇添足 画蛇添足 pack culture and wisdom into short phrases. Learn them to sound natural and understand deeper meaning when you listen or read.