Chinese two-part sayings (歇后语)

A picture and then what it means, like 外甥打灯笼，照舅 (a nephew carrying a lantern lights the way for his uncle), which sounds like 照旧, 'as before'.

阿斗的江山，白送 ādǒu de jiāngshān, báisòng

A Dou's kingdom: given away for nothing

Describes giving up something valuable to someone else for free, without asking anything in return. Usually mocking or critical, as of a careless giveaway.
阿姨哄孩子，不是自己的 āyí hǒng háizi, bù shì zìjǐ de

A nanny soothing a child: it isn't her own

Said of something precious that belongs to someone else, so one cannot treat it as one's own. Often a wry remark about not caring for what isn't yours.
挨揍打呼噜，假装不知道 áizòu dǎ hūlu, jiǎzhuāng bù zhīdào

Being beaten yet snoring: pretending not to know

Pretending to be ignorant of something one knows well, because of pressure. Mildly mocking.
矮子踩高跷，猛长一截 ǎizi cǎi gāoqiāo, měng zhǎng yī jié

A short man on stilts: suddenly a stretch taller

Describes something that suddenly rises or makes striking progress. Light and humorous.
矮子倒水，水瓶不高 ǎizi dào shuǐ, shuǐ píng (píng)bù gāo

A dwarf pouring water: the bottle isn't high

A jibe at someone's low level of ability or skill. Mocking.

May offend: mocks disability
矮子跟着高个子走路，得多跑几步 ǎizi gēn zhe gāo gèzi zǒu lù, děi duō pǎo jǐ bù

A short man walking with a tall man must run a few more steps

Someone weaker or less well-prepared must work extra hard to keep up with a stronger person. Encouraging.
矮子过河，越陷越深 ǎizi guò hé, yuè xiàn yuè shēn

A short man crossing a river: the further he goes, the deeper he sinks

Of someone in trouble who does not turn back and gets ever more deeply stuck. Critical.
矮子里面挑将军，短中取长 ǎizi lǐmiàn tiāo jiāngjūn, duǎn zhōng qǔ cháng

Picking a general from among short men: choosing the longest of the short

Choosing the best of a poor lot, grudgingly. Similar to 'the best of a bad bunch'.
矮子里面选大将，短中取长 ǎizi lǐmiàn xuǎn dàjiàng, duǎn zhōng qǔ cháng

Choosing a great general from among short men: taking the long from the short

A variant of 矮子里面挑将军: picking the best from a poor field, grudgingly.

May offend: mocks disability
矮子爬楼梯，步步高升 ǎizi pá lóutī, bùbù gāoshēng

A short man climbing stairs: every step goes higher

Said of someone's position rising steadily, or of life getting better day by day. Humorous and congratulatory.
矮子骑高马，上下两难 ǎizi qí gāo mǎ, shàngxià liǎngnán

A short man on a tall horse: hard to get up and hard to get down

Describes a dilemma in which doing it or not doing it both cause difficulty.
爱克斯光照人，看透你了 àikèsīguāng zhào rén, kàntòu nǐ le

Shining X-rays on a person: I see right through you

Having seen through someone's true nature or hidden secrets. Often said in a pointed, knowing way.
按倒葫芦起了瓢，顾了这头儿顾不上那头儿 àndǎo húlu qǐle piáo, gùle zhè tóur gù bù shàng nà tóur

Press down the gourd and the ladle pops up: look after this end and you can't tend the other

Solving one problem creates another, and you can't handle both at once. Like 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' or whack-a-mole.
按倒牛头喝水，办不到 àndǎo niútóu hē shuǐ, bàn bù dào

Pushing down an ox's head to drink: can't be done

You can't force someone to do what they don't want to. Like 'you can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink'.
按住电铃不抬手，老是响 ànzhù diànlíng bù táishǒu, lǎo shì xiǎng(xiǎng)

Pressing the doorbell and not lifting your hand: it keeps ringing

Said of someone who keeps thinking of or missing someone or something. Light, humorous.
案板底下放风筝，飞不起来 ànbǎn dǐxia fàng fēngzheng, fēi bù qǐlái

Flying a kite under the chopping board: it can't take off

With too little room, a person with talent can't show it. Sympathetic.
案板上的肉，随人割 ànbǎn shàng de ròu, suí rén gē

Meat on the chopping board: cut as people please

Of someone who has no say and is at others' mercy. Like 'a lamb to the slaughter'.
八百亩地一根苗儿，独生 bābǎi mǔ dì yī gēn miáor, dú shēng

Eight hundred mu of land with a single seedling: only one grown

Refers to an only child.
八宝饭上调把盐，又添一味 bābǎofàn shang tiáo bǎ yán, yòu tiān yī wèi(wèi)

Sprinkling salt on eight-treasure rice: adds another flavour

Adding a person who doesn't fit in or isn't welcome to a harmonious group. Mildly critical.
八个麻雀抬轿，担不起 bā gè máquè tái jiào, dān bù qǐ

Eight sparrows carrying a sedan chair: can't bear it

Someone can't take on a task or responsibility. Often said modestly or doubtfully.
八哥儿啄柿子，拣软的吃 bāgēr zhuó shìzi, jiǎn ruǎn de chī

A myna pecking persimmons: picks the soft ones to eat

Going after the weak. Variant of the longer saying; critical.
八哥儿啄柿子，雷公打豆腐，拣软的来 bāgēr zhuó shìzi, léigōng dǎ dòufu, jiǎn ruǎn de lái

A myna pecking persimmons, the Thunder God striking tofu: go for the soft ones

Picking on weak people to bully. Critical; like 'pick on someone smaller'.
八级师傅学艺，精益求精 bā jí shīfu xuéyì, jīngyìqiújīng

A grade-eight master learning his craft: striving for ever greater excellence

Keeping up a strong drive to improve, making good work even better. Approving.
八擒孟获，多此一举 bā qín mènghuò, duōcǐyījǔ

Capturing Meng Huo an eighth time: one move too many

An action that is unnecessary. Said mildly critically or humorously.
八十斤重的马铃薯，块儿大 bāshí jīn zhòng de mǎlíngshǔ, kuàir dà

An eighty-jin potato: big lump

Describes a big, bulky person, or mockingly someone who is big but useless.
八十里不换肩，抬杠好手 bāshí lǐ bù huànjiān, táigàng hǎoshǒu

Carrying eighty li without changing shoulders: a fine pole-carrier

Mocks someone who loves pointless arguments.
八十年不下雨，好晴 bāshí nián bù xiàyǔ, hǎo qíng(qíng)

No rain for eighty years: such fine weather

Said ironically of someone who shows no feeling or loyalty; '好情' really means heartless.
八十岁的老太太打哈欠，一望无牙 bāshí suì de lǎotàitai dǎ hāqian, yī wàng wú yá (yá)

An eighty-year-old woman yawning: not a tooth in sight

Describes something vast, with no end in view.
八十岁的老头儿学吹打，上气不接下气 bāshí suì de lǎotóur xué chuīdǎ, shàngqì bù jiē xiàqì

An eighty-year-old learning to play wind and percussion: breath can't follow breath

Out of breath and short of strength.
八十岁的妈妈没牙，唇说 bāshí suì de māma méi yá, chún(chǔn) shuō

An eighty-year-old mother with no teeth: speaks with her lips

Describes someone talking nonsense or empty talk. Mocking.
八十岁老头儿牵猴子，玩儿心不退 bāshí suì lǎotóur qiān hóuzi, wánr xīn bù tuì

An eighty-year-old leading a monkey: the urge to play hasn't faded

Older people who still love to have fun. Affectionate, humorous.
八十岁演员扮孩子，返老还童 bāshí suì yǎnyuán bàn háizi, fǎnlǎo huántóng

An eighty-year-old actor playing a child: old age turns back to childhood

An old person regaining youthful vigour. Light, humorous.
八仙过海，各显神通 bāxiān guòhǎi, gèxiǎn shéntōng

The Eight Immortals cross the sea, each showing their own powers

Everyone uses their own skills to reach the goal. Approving.
八仙聚会，又说又笑 bāxiān jùhuì, yòu shuō yòu xiào

The Eight Immortals gather: talking and laughing

A cheerful, lively scene with people in high spirits.
八仙桌打掌子，四平八稳 bāxiānzhuō dǎ zhǎngzi, sìpíng bāwěn

Putting horseshoes on an eight-immortals table: perfectly steady on all sides

Steady and sure in doing things; or, critically, too cautious and lacking innovation.
八月的石榴，合不上 bāyuè de shíliu, hé bù shàng

a pomegranate in the eighth month: it can't close

Describes someone laughing so hard or so happily that they can't close their mouth. Lighthearted and humorous.
八月的柿子，越老越红 bāyuè de shìzi, yuè lǎo yuè hóng

persimmons in the eighth month: the older, the redder

Said of a person who gets more successful and more respected with age. Approving.
八月里的黄瓜棚，空架子 bāyuè lǐ de huánggua péng, kōng jiàzi

a cucumber trellis in the eighth month: just an empty frame

Describes an organisation, essay or plan that has an outward form but no real content. Critical.
八月十五的月亮，正大光明 bāyuè shíwǔ de yuèliang, zhèngdàguāngmíng

the moon on the fifteenth of the eighth month: perfectly big and bright

Says a person is open and honest, with upright words and conduct. Approving.
巴掌心里长胡须，老手 bāzhang xīn li zhǎng húxū, lǎoshǒu

a beard growing in the palm of the hand: an old hand

Describes a very experienced, seasoned person. Approving or humorous.
拔节的竹笋，天天向上 bájié de zhúsǔn, tiāntiān xiàngshàng

bamboo shoots jointing up: rising every day

Describes children making progress daily, or living standards or output steadily rising. Approving.
拔了萝卜栽上葱，一茬比一茬辣 bále luóbo zāishàng cōng, yī chá bǐ yī chá là

pull out radishes and plant scallions: each crop is hotter than the last

Says that each successive bad person is crueller than the one before. Critical.
把守山门的哼哈二将，不镇庙也吓人 bǎshǒu shānmén de hēnghā'èrjiàng, bù zhèn miào yě xiàrén

the Heng and Ha generals guarding the temple gate: even if they don't keep the temple, they frighten people

Even someone unable to hold the line can still scare people off. Said of a deterrent effect.
霸王敬酒，不干也得干 bàwáng jìng jiǔ, bù gān(gàn) yě děi gān(gàn)

the Overlord offers a toast: you must drain it (gān) even if you don't want to do it (gàn)

You have to do something even if you don't want to, because circumstances force you.
白布落在染缸里，洗不清 báibù luò zài rǎngāng li, xǐ bùqīng

white cloth dropped into the dye vat: can't be washed clean

A person's reputation is stained and can't be cleared. Like 'the mud sticks'.
白菜熬豆腐，谁也不沾谁的油水 báicài āo dòufu, shéi yě bù zhān shéi de yóushui

cabbage stewed with tofu: neither gets any grease from the other

Neither side can profit at the other's expense.
白骨精骗唐僧，一计不成又生一计 báigǔjīng piàn tángsēng, yī jì bù chéng yòu shēng yī jì

the White Bone Demon tricks Tang Monk: when one trick fails she thinks up another

Describes someone who keeps using one trick after another to deceive. Critical.
白脸狼戴草帽，假充善人 báiliǎn láng dài cǎomào, jiǎchōng shànrén

a white-faced wolf in a straw hat: pretending to be a good person

Mocks a bad person who poses as a good one. Variant of 白眼儿狼戴草帽.
白萝卜扎刀子，不出血 bái luóbo zhā dāozi, bù chū xiě

stab a white radish with a knife: no blood comes out

Mocks a stingy person who won't spend any money.
白娘娘吃了雄黄酒，现原形 báiniángniang chīle xiónghuángjiǔ, xiànyuánxíng

Lady White drinks realgar wine: reveals her true form

A person's true nature is exposed. Usually used of someone with something to hide.
白水冲酱油，越来越淡 báishuǐ chōng jiàngyóu, yuèlái yuè dàn

adding plain water to soy sauce: weaker and weaker

Feelings between people grow ever fainter.
白糖拌苦瓜，又苦又甜 báitáng bàn kǔguā, yòu kǔ yòu tián

sugar mixed with bitter melon: both bitter and sweet

Describes mixed feelings, both sad and happy at once.
白眼儿狼戴草帽，假充好人 báiyǎnrláng dài cǎomào, jiǎchōng hǎorén

an ungrateful wolf wearing a straw hat: pretending to be a good person

Mocks a bad person who passes himself off as good.
白纸黑字，清清楚楚 báizhǐ hēizì, qīngqīng chǔchǔ

white paper, black characters: perfectly clear

The facts are fixed in writing and can't be changed or disputed. Like 'it's there in black and white'.
《百家姓》读掉头一个字，开口就说钱《bǎijiāxìng》dúdiào tóu yī gè zì, kāikǒu jiù shuō qián

read the Hundred Family Surnames without its first character: the first word out of your mouth is 'money'

Mocks someone obsessed with money who puts it first in everything. Said critically or teasingly.
百年松树，六月芭蕉，粗枝大叶 bǎi nián sōngshù, liùyuè bājiāo, cūzhī dàyè

a hundred-year-old pine, a banana plant in the sixth month: thick branches, big leaves

Describes someone careless and not thorough in thinking or work. Mildly critical.
柏油路上跑马车，没辙 bǎiyóulù shang pǎo mǎchē, méi zhé

driving a horse cart on an asphalt road: no ruts

Said when you are helpless and have no way out of a problem; humorous.
拜佛进了吕祖庙，走错了门 bàifó jìnle lǚzǔmiào，zǒucuòle mén

going to worship Buddha but entering the Lü Zu temple: went through the wrong door

Said of going to the wrong place or person for what you need; humorous.
扳不倒儿坐火车，没有稳当劲儿 bānbùdǎor zuò huǒchē，méiyǒu wěndāng jìnr

a tumbler toy riding a train: no steadiness

Describes someone flighty or unreliable, or work done insecurely. Mocking.
扳倒大瓮扫小米儿，摸到底了 bāndǎo dà wèng sǎo xiǎomǐr，mōdào dǐ le

tipping over a big jar to sweep up the millet: reached the bottom

Said when you have found out the whole inside story of something.
扳手紧螺帽儿，丝丝入扣 bānshǒu jǐn luómàor，sīsīrùkòu

a spanner tightening a nut: every thread fits

Praises speech or writing that is tightly logical and precise.
斑鸠不下树，嗉子里有食 bānjiū bù xià shù，sùzi li yǒu shí

the turtle dove won't come down from the tree: its crop has food

Describes someone who stops striving once slightly well-off or successful. Critical.
搬起石头砸自己的脚，自作自受 bānqǐ shítou zá zìjǐ de jiǎo，zìzuòzìshòu

lift a stone and smash your own foot: you brought it on yourself

Trying to harm others but hurting yourself instead. Compare 'hoist with his own petard'.
板上钉钉，没跑儿 bǎn shang dìng dīng，méipǎor

a nail hammered into a board: it can't move

Said when a matter is settled and can't be changed.
半空里下大雪，天花乱坠 bànkōng li xià dàxuě，tiānhuāluànzhuì

heavy snow falling in midair: flowers from heaven fall in a swirl

Describes exaggerated, unrealistic talk or writing. Critical.
半篮子喜鹊，叫唤起来没个完 bàn lánzi xǐquè，jiàohuan qǐlái méi ge wán

half a basket of magpies: once they start calling, no end

Describes a group chatting and laughing noisily without stopping. Humorous.
半天里抹糨子，糊云 bàntiān li mǒ jiàngzi，hú(hú)yún(yún)

smearing paste in the sky: pasting clouds

Scolds someone for talking nonsense.
半天云里吹唢呐，哪里哪 bàntiān yún li chuī suǒnà，nǎlinǎ

playing the suona up in the clouds: nǎ li nǎ

The words imitate the suona's sound and echo the polite deflection 哪里哪里; used to brush off or disagree with what someone has said, often modestly or playfully.
半天云里吹唢呐，哪里哪里 bàntiān yún li chuī suǒnà，nǎli nǎli

playing the suona in the clouds: where, where

A polite way to deflect a compliment, like 'Oh, not at all'.
半天云里打灯笼，高明 bàntiān yún li dǎ dēnglong，gāomíng

holding up a lantern in the midst of the clouds: high and bright

Praises someone's views or skill as brilliant; a variant of the version with a lamp lit in the clouds.
半天云里点灯，高明 bàntiān yún li diǎndēng，gāomíng

lighting a lamp in the clouds: high and bright

Praises someone's views as brilliant.
半天云里的风筝，半点儿不由己 bàntiān yún lǐ de fēngzheng，bàndiǎnr bù yóu jǐ

a kite in the clouds: not in its own control at all

Describes someone controlled by others, unable to decide anything for themselves.
半天云里的铜锣，落到哪里都当当响 bàntiān yún lǐ de tóngluó，luòdào nǎli dōu dāngdāng xiǎng

a gong from the clouds: wherever it lands it rings loudly

Describes someone who stands out and gets a name wherever they go. Approving.
半天云里挂口袋，装风 bàntiān yún li guà kǒudai，zhuāng fēng(fēng)

hanging a sack in the clouds: holding wind (acting crazy)

Said of someone who pretends to be mad or play dumb. Mocking or humorous.
半天云里拍巴掌，高手 bàntiān yún li pāi bāzhang，gāoshǒu

clapping hands in the mid-sky: a high hand

Praises someone as a master or expert at a skill. Approving, often joking.
半天云中跑马，露了马脚 bàntiān yún zhōng pǎomǎ，lòule mǎjiǎo

a horse galloping in the clouds: the horse's hoof shows

Said when a secret or deception is given away by a slip. Close to 'let the cat out of the bag'.
半夜摸黄瓜，不知头尾 bànyè mō huánggua，bù zhī tóuwěi

groping for a cucumber at midnight: can't tell the head from the tail

Said when you don't know the background or the whole story of something. Humorous.
绑腿带上绣山水，画长 bǎngtuǐ dài shang xiù shānshuǐ，huà(huà) cháng

embroidering a landscape on a leg-wrapping strip: the picture is long

Said when a story is long and can't be told in a few words.
包老爷断案，六亲不认 bāolǎoye duàn'àn，liùqīnbùrèn

Lord Bao judging a case: recognising none of his six relatives

Someone who sticks to principle and favours no relative. Approving. Bao Zheng was a famed upright Song dynasty judge.
剥了皮的蛤蟆，临死还要跳三跳 bāole pí de háma，lín sǐ hái yào tiào sān tiào

a skinned toad still jumps three times before it dies

A cornered villain makes a last desperate struggle. Critical.
抱着干柴救火，帮倒忙 bàozhe gānchái jiùhuǒ，bāngdàománg

carrying dry firewood to fight a fire: helping in a way that hinders

Said of someone with good intentions who makes things worse by using the wrong method. Mocking.
抱着泥菩萨洗澡，空淘神 bào zhe ní púsà xǐzǎo，kōng táoshén

bathing a clay Buddha: in vain washing the god

Wasted effort. You put in a lot of trouble and energy for nothing.
抱着元宝跳井，舍命不舍财 bàozhe yuánbǎo tiào jǐng，shě mìng bù shě cái

jumping into a well hugging gold ingots: giving up life, not wealth

Describes someone who values money more than life. Mocking.
爆炒鹅卵石，不进油盐 bàochǎo éluǎnshí，bù jìn yóu yán

stir-frying pebbles over high heat: oil and salt won't go in

Describes a stubborn person who won't take in any advice. Critical.
背着棺材过河，连死都准备下了 bēizhe guāncai guò hé，lián sǐ dōu zhǔnbèi xià le

carrying a coffin across the river: already prepared even for death

Someone has prepared for the worst and is ready to risk everything. English: 'burn one's boats'.
背着茅坑走路，到哪儿臭哪儿 bēizhe máokēng zǒulù，dào nǎr chòu nǎr

walking with a latrine on your back: it stinks wherever you go

A person with a bad reputation is disliked everywhere. Insulting.

May offend: vulgar language
背人偷酒吃，冷暖自己知 bèirén tōu jiǔ chī，lěngnuǎn zìjǐ zhī

sneaking off to drink stolen wine: only you know whether it's cold or warm

Only the person concerned truly knows his own feelings and situation. Said when others cannot judge someone's private troubles or joys. Close to 'only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches'.
被窝里听广播，自得其乐 bèiwō li tīng guǎngbō，zìdéqílè

listening to the radio under the quilt: enjoying oneself in one's own way

Finding one's own pleasure and enjoying it privately. Light, humorous, sometimes gently mocking.
鼻尖上落马蜂，明摆着的威胁 bíjiān shang luò mǎfēng，míngbǎizhe de wēixié

a wasp lands on the tip of your nose: an obvious threat

A danger or pressure that is plainly right in front of you.
鼻子里插大葱，装象 bízi li chā dàcōng，zhuāng xiàng(xiàng)

sticking a spring onion up the nose: pretending to be an elephant

Putting on airs or pretending to be something one isn't. Mocking.
鼻子上的糖，干馋舔不着 bízi shàng de táng，gān chán tiǎn bù zháo

candy on your nose: you crave it but can't lick it

Something you want is right before your eyes but out of reach. Frustrating, humorous.
闭着眼睛摸田螺，瞎抓一气 bìzhe yǎnjing mō tiánluó，xiāzhuā yīqì

feeling for river snails with your eyes shut: grabbing blindly

Working without a plan or clear idea, just grabbing at whatever comes. Critical.
鞭炮两头点，响在一块儿 biānpào liǎngtóu diǎn，xiǎng(xiǎng)zài yīkuàir

lighting a firecracker at both ends: they go off together

Two people having the same thought at the same time. Light, humorous. Like 'great minds think alike'.
扁担插进桥洞里，担不起 biǎndan chājìn qiáodòng li，dān bù qǐ

a carrying pole stuck into a bridge arch: can't be lifted

Unable to take on the responsibility or burden. Said of a duty or blame one can't bear.
冰糖调黄瓜，甘脆 bīngtáng tiáo huángguā，gān(gān)cuì

rock sugar mixed with cucumber: sweet and crisp

Describes someone who speaks and acts in a direct, brisk way. Approving.
冰箱里拿出来的水果刀，又快又冷 bīngxiāng li ná chūlái de shuǐguǒdāo，yòu kuài yòu lěng

a fruit knife from the fridge: both sharp and cold

Describes someone who speaks bluntly and without warmth or regard for feelings.
脖子上磨刀，危险到顶 bózi shang mó dāo, wēixiǎn dàodǐng

sharpening a knife on one's neck: danger reaches the top

Extremely dangerous; said of a situation in which one is at the greatest risk.
跛驴配着破口袋，一摊烂货 bǒlǘ pèizhe pò kǒudai, yī tān lànhuò

a lame donkey paired with a torn sack: a heap of rubbish

An insult for two people or a gang regarded as worthless, a bad lot. Abusive.

May offend: mocks disability
擦粉进棺材，死爱面子 cā fěn jìn guāncai, sǐ ài miànzi

powdering one's face into the coffin: dead set on face

Mocks someone so vain that they care about appearances to the very end. Critical, sarcastic.
才出锅的糍粑，酥软 cái chū guō de cíba, sūruǎn

Glutinous rice cake just out of the pot: soft and crumbly

Describes someone whose limbs have gone weak and limp, or who has gone soft and lost their resolve.

Every kind of Chinese saying