中國成語英文小故事
東施效顰
In the Spring and Autumn Period (春秋時期,770-476 BC), there was a beauty in the State of Yue called Xishi (西施).
傳說春秋時期，越國有一美女，名喚西施。She often suffered from pains in her chest, and so she would often walk around doubled over and with her brows knitted.
但是西施有心口疼的毛病，所以她經常手捂胸口，皺著眉頭走著。There was an ugly girl in the village called Dongshi who envied Xishi.
村子裡還住著一位丑姑娘，叫做東施，她十分嫉妒西施。Striving to emulate Xishi, she imitated her stoop, knitting her brows at the same time.
於是東施時常效仿西施，手捂胸口，緊皺眉頭。She thought that this made her elegant, but in fact, it only made her more ugly.
東施覺得她效仿西施就會變得很美麗，但是實際上，只會使她變得更難看而已。Later, this idiom came to be used to indicate improper imitation that proces the reverse effect.
這個典故比喻不恰當的模仿，帶來相反的效果。
⑵ 跪求英文的中國的歷史，成語或神話故事 最好七到十段 盡量長一些 各位拜託了撒～>^<
二十四孝＿忠孝雙全
明朝湖南道川守將沉至緒，有一個獨生女兒，名叫沈雲英。自小聰明好學，跟父親學得一身好武藝。因其父率兵迎異軍死在戰場上，當時沈雲英才十七歲，她登上高處大聲呼曰：「我雖然是一個小女子，為完成父親守城的遺志，我要決一死戰。希望全體軍民保衛家鄉。」大家深受感動，發誓要奪回失地。很快解除了包圍，取得了勝利。沈雲英找到父親的屍體，大聲痛哭，全體軍民都穿上孝服，參加了葬禮。朝廷下令追封沉至緒為副總兵，並任命沈雲英為游擊將軍，繼續守衛道州府。後來人們為她建了一座忠孝雙全的紀念祠。有詩頌曰：
異軍攻城圍義兵，娥眉汗馬解圍城；父仇圍難兩湔雪，千古流芳忠孝名。
Man pages _ Zhongxiao queen
Ming-Chuan Wu Jiang, Hunan Road to Xu Shen, a daughter, named Shen Yun-ying. Smart studious young age, my father learned a swordsman. Shuaibing Ying horizon e to his father died on the battlefield, when Shen Yun excellence 17 years old, she boarded the height loud call, saying: "Although I was a small woman, for the completion of his father Shoucheng's behest, I would like to become accustomed. hope that the whole army to defend the homeland. "everyone was deeply moved and vowed to regain lost ground. Quickly lifted the siege, to victory. Shen Yun-ying to find his father's body, crying loudly, all the soldiers wore mourning to attend the funeral. Bestowed on the court order to thread the Fuzong Bing Shen, and named Shen Yun-ying for the guerrilla general, continue to guard the Road state capital. It was built for her a temple to commemorate the Chunghsiao queen. Song A poem reads:
Different military siege Wai-yi soldiers, crescent siege city of Khan MA; Fu Chou Wai difficult 2 Jian Xue, Liu-Fang Chung Hsiao name through the ages.
二十四孝＿上書救父
漢文帝時，有一位叫淳於意的人，拜齊國著名醫師楊慶為師，學得一手高超的醫術，曾經做過齊國的倉令。他的老師去世以後，棄官行醫。因為個性剛直，行醫的時候，得罪了一位有權勢的人，導致後來自己遭陷害，被押往京城治罪。他的女兒名叫緹縈，雖然是一位弱小女子，然而不辭勞苦，長途跋涉一同前往長安向皇帝訴冤。她陳述了肉刑的害處，並說明了父親做官時清廉愛民，行醫時施仁濟世，現在確實是遭人誣害。願意替父受刑。漢文帝被緹縈的孝心深深感動，赦免了她的父親，並且下詔書廢除了肉刑。有詩頌曰：
隨父赴京歷苦辛，上書意切動機定； 詔書特赦成其孝，又廢肉刑惠後人。
Man pages _ petitioned Jiufu
Emperor Wen of Han, there are a named Chunyu Italian people, thanks to well-known physician Qi Yang as a teacher, learned first-hand the superb art of healing, Qi positions have done so. After the death of his teacher, Qi Guan practice. Because upright and outspoken personality, practice time, offended a powerful person, which later led to his being framed and was then transferred to capital punishment. His daughter called Ti-ying, though a small woman, but the painstaking work, and travel long distances to travel together to the Emperor Chang-Su Yuan. She stated the harmful effects of corporal punishment, and describes his father as an official when the clean and loving, practicing medicine Ren Shi save the world, and now is really being Wuhai. For the parent is willing to torture. Han Emperor Wen Ti-ying of filial piety have been deeply moved, pardoned her father, and the abolition of corporal punishment under the imperial edict. Song A poem reads:
Calendar Kuxin father to Beijing, a petition intended to cut motive determined; edict into its filial amnesty, abolition of corporal punishment also benefit future generations.
劉備、關羽、張飛自桃園結義後，雖整天東奔西跑，但因缺少謀士，總覺得恢復漢朝天下無望。後來得徐庶幫助，連打勝仗。徐庶為救母無奈去了曹營。臨走推薦了諸葛亮。
一日，劉備帶關羽、張飛來到隆中卧龍岡，想請諸葛亮出山。小僮說："先生今早出去了。"劉備讓僮子轉告先生說他來訪，然後拉馬悶悶不樂地回去了。又過了數日，劉備控得諸葛亮已回家，便同關、張二次來訪。僮子說："先生正在草堂看書。"劉備求見後得知不是諸葛亮，而是其弟諸葛鈞。於是留下一封信，表達敬慕之情。兄弟三人又冒雪回去了。
回到新野不久，劉備想再次去請諸葛亮。關羽勸說："可能諸葛亮沒本事，怕見我們。張飛則說：你們別去了，我用繩子捆來。劉備忙講了當年文王訪姜子牙的故事。兄弟三人又第三次來到卧龍岡。他們一到，小僮忙說："先生在睡覺。"劉備一直等到諸葛亮睡醒後更衣相見。劉備不辭勞苦，三顧顧廬，終於請出諸葛亮出山輔佐，共圖大業
Liu bei, guan yu, zhang fei, though since taoyuan JieYi around all day, but because of lack of counselors, total feel restore the han dynasty world was hopeless. When it XuShu help, even triumphed. XuShu for saves mother went to CaoYing helpless. Facing to recommend the various ge bright.
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Return to a new item soon, liu2 bei4 would like to go please zhuge liang. Guan yu persuade: "may zhuge liang uselessness, dreads the us. ZhangFeiZe say: you don't go, I use rope bound to speak the same. Liu2 bei4 busy WenWangFang son tooth story. The three brothers and third arrived at wolong Oregon. They arrived, the small boy favour say:" sir in bed. "Liu2 bei4 until zhuge woke up and change clothes greet. Liu2 bei4 discomforts, three gu GuLu, finally please make zhuge liang mountain assisted, total diagram greatundertaking
赤壁
In 200, Yuan Shao amassed more than 100,000 troops and marched southwards on Xuchang in the name of rescuing the emperor. Cao Cao gathered 20,000 men in Guan, a strategic point on the shore of the Yellow River. The two armies come to a standstill as neither side was able to make much progress. Cao Cao's lack of men did not allow him to make significant attacks, and the pride of Yuan Shao forced him to target Cao Cao's force head-on. Despite his overwhelming advantage in terms of manpower Yuan Shao was unable to make full use of his resources because of his indecisive leadership and Cao Cao's location.
Besides the middle battleground of Guan, two lines of battle were present. The eastern line with Yuan Tan of Yuan Shao's army versus Zang Ba of Cao Cao's army was a one-sided battle in favor of Cao Cao, as Yuan Tan's own questionable leadership was no match for Xang Ba's local knowledge of the landscape and hit-and-run tactics. To the western side, Yuan Shao's cousin, Gao Gan, performed much better against Cao Cao's army and forced several reinforcements from Cao Cao's main camp to maintain the western battle. Liu Bei, who was at the time a guest in Yuan Shao's army, also suggested to ince uprising in the back of Cao Cao's lands as there were many connections to the Yuan family and their subordinates. The tactic was successful at first, but quickly countered by Man Chong's diplomatic skill. Man Chong had been placed as an official there for this specific reason, as Cao Cao had foreseen the situation prior to the battle.
Finally, with the help of a defector from Yuan Shao's army, Xu You, who informed Cao Cao of the location of Yuan Shao's army supply, Cao Cao broke the standstill and sent a special task force to burn all the supplies of Yuan Shao's army and won a decisive and seemingly impossible victory. Yuan Shao fell ill and died shortly after returning from the defeat, leaving his legacy to two of his sons – the eldest son, Yuan Tan and the youngest son, Yuan Shang. As he had designated the youngest son, Yuan Shang, as his successor, rather than the eldest as tradition dictated, the two brothers consistently feuded against each other, as they fought Cao Cao. Because of their internal divisions, Cao Cao was easily able to defeat them by using their differences to his advantage. Henceforth Cao Cao assumed effective rule over all of northern China. He sent armies further out and extended his control past the Great Wall into northern Korea, and southward to the Han River.
However, Cao Cao's attempt to extend his domination south of the Yangtze River was unsuccessful. He received an initial great success when Liu Biao, ruler of Jing Zhou, died, and his successor, Liu Zong surrendered to Cao Cao without resistance. Delighted by this turn-out (Cao Cao, a devoted follower of Sun Tzu's Art of War, also considered "defeating your enemy without battle" to be the highest form of achievement of war) he pressed on and hoped the same would happen despite the objections by his military advisors. His forces were then defeated by the first coalition of his archrivals Liu Bei and Sun Quan (who later founded the kingdoms of Shu and Wu respectively) at the Red Cliffs in 208.
⑶ 急求一個英語的成語故事！！！
Amazing the World with a Single Feat
In the Warring States Period, Duke Wei of Qi neglected state affairs, for the first three years of his reign, giving himself over to dissipation. One of his minister, Chun Yukun who had a good sense of humour, said to him:」There is a big bird which has neigher taken wing nor sung for three years.」 The ke answered, 「Once that bird starts to fly and sing, it will astonish the world.」 The ke thereupon devoted himself to his ties and built his state up into a powerful one.
This idiom is used to indicate that a person may rise from obscurity and achieve greatness.
戰國時代，齊威王即位後作了三年國君，只顧享樂，不理政事。有個善於說笑話的人叫淳於髡，一天對齊威王說：「城裡有一隻大鳥，三年不飛也不叫，你知道這是什麼道理？」齊威王說：「這鳥不飛則罷，一飛就沖天；不鳴則罷，一鳴就驚人。」在淳於髡的激發下，齊威王開始治理國家，取得很大成績，齊國的聲威一直保持了幾十年。
⑷ 簡單英語中國成語故事30字
1 揠苗助長 ：比喻急於求成反而於事無成。
春秋時期，宋國有一個農回夫，他總是嫌田裡答的莊稼長得太慢。 於是，他來到田裡，把禾苗一棵一棵地往上拔。第二天，他發現田裡的禾苗全都已經枯死了。
2 乘風破浪：形容不怕困難，奮勇前進的精神
古代南北朝的時候，宋國有位將軍姓宗名愨，他從小就很勇敢，也很有抱負。有一天，宗愨的叔父問他有什麼志向，宗愨回答道：「願乘長風，破萬里浪。」宗愨經過勤學苦練，努力奮斗，終於成為一位能征善戰的將軍。
3 一衣帶水：比喻只隔了一條狹窄水域的，靠得非常近的兩地
南北朝的時候，北方的北周和南方的陳國以長江為界。
北周的宰相楊堅，廢了周靜帝，自己當皇帝，建立了隋朝。
他決心要滅掉陳國，曾說：「我是全國老百姓的父母，難道能因為有一條像衣帶那樣窄的長江隔著，就看著南方百姓受苦而不拯救他們嗎？ 「
⑸ 英語的成語故事
畫蛇添足
An official of the ancient State of Chu awarded a pot of wine to his men after the ceremony of Spring Sacrifice. One man said， 「We have only one pot of wine. It's not enough for all of us but sufficient for one. Let's determine who'll have the wine by drawing a snake on the ground. He who finishes first will have the wine.」
The others agreed. Very soon， one man finished his snake. He was about to drink the wine when he saw the others were still busy drawing. He said complacently，「How slowly you are！ I still have enough time to add feet to my snke.」 But before he finished the feet， another man finished his snke and grabbed the pot from him， saying，「Whoever has seen a snake with feet？ Yours is not a snke. So the wine should be mine！」 He drank the wine. The man adding the feet to the snake had to give in and could only regret his foolishness.
楚國有一個官員，在春天祭過了祖宗之後，便將一壺酒賞給他的辦事人員喝。有人提議：「我們只有一壺酒，肯定不夠我們大家喝的，一個人喝倒是綽綽有餘。我們每人在地上畫一條蛇，誰畫得最快，就把這壺酒給他。」 大家都同意了。
有一個人很快就把蛇畫好了。他正打算喝這壺酒時，看見別人都還忙著畫呢。他就得意揚揚地說：「你們畫得好慢呀，等我再畫上幾只腳吧！」 他的蛇腳還沒畫完，另一個人已經把蛇畫好了。那人把酒壺奪了過去說：「有誰見過長腳的蛇？你畫的不是蛇，這壺酒應該是我的了。」說罷，就喝起酒來。那個給蛇畫腳的人沒辦法，只能懊悔自己的愚蠢。
一鳴驚人
In the Warring States Period, Duke Wei of Qi neglected state affairs, for the first three years of his reign, giving himself over to dissipation. One of his ministers, Chun Yukun who had a good sense of humour, said to him: 'There is a big bird which has neither taken wing nor sung for three years.' The ke answered, 'Once that bird starts to fly and sing, it will astonish the world.' The ke thereupon devoted himself to his ties and built his state up into a powerful one.
戰國時代，齊威王即位後做了三年國君，只顧享樂，不理政事。有個善於說笑話的人叫淳於髡，一天對齊威王說：「城裡有一隻大鳥，三年不飛也不叫，你知道這是什麼道理？」齊威王說：「這鳥不飛則罷，一飛就沖天；不鳴則罷，一鳴就驚人。」在淳於髡的激發下，齊威王開始治理國家，取得很大成績，齊國的聲威一直保持了幾十年。
杞人憂天
In the Spring and Autumn Period, in the State of Qi there was a man who always let his imagination run away with him. One day he even worried that the sky would fall on his head. He was so worried that he could neither eat nor sleep. Later, someone persuaded him that his fears were Ground-less.
春秋時代，杞國有一個喜歡胡思亂想的人。一天，他竟然想到，天會塌下來，地會陷下去，自己到哪裡去安身？這個人越想越害怕，整天愁眉苦臉，坐立不安，白天吃不下飯，晚上睡不著覺。後來有人耐心地開到他，他才放下了心。
精衛填海
Once upon a time, the youngest daughter of Emperor Yan, legendary ruler of primitive China, went boating on the Eastern Sea. While she was enjoying herself, a strong wind rose on the sea and her boat capsized. Just before she was buried by the surging waves, her spirit turned into a beautiful bird. As it flew over the roaring sea, it cried sadly in the sound "jinwei, jingwei". That was why people called it "Jingwei".
The bird lived on a mountain near the sea. It hated the sea so much that it decided to fill it up. Every day, it flew to and fro between the mountain and the sea, carrying in a twig or a pebble from the mountain and dropping it into the sea.
One day, the roaring sea said to Jingwei, "Poor little bird, stop doing that meaningless thing! You'll never fill me up." Jingwei replied, "I'll fill you up no doubt! I will, even if it'll take me thousands of years! I'll fight on until doomsday!"
The brave little bird kept carrying twigs and pebbles from the mountain to the Eastern Sea without taking a rest.
From this fable comes the idiom "The bird Jingwei trying to fill the sea". We use it to describe people who are firm and indomitable and will not stop until they reach their goal.
從前，炎帝（傳說中中國原始社會的統治者）的小女兒在東海上劃船。正當她劃得高興時，海面上突然升起一陣大風，把她的小船弄翻了。就在她要被洶涌的波浪吞 沒時，她的靈魂變成了一隻美麗的小鳥。它飛過那咆哮的海面，傷心的叫著"精衛，精衛"的聲音。所以人們就叫她"精衛"。
精衛鳥住在靠海的一座山上。它非常恨大海，所以決心要把它填平。它每天來回於山海之間，把從山上銜來的小樹枝和小石子扔在大海里。
一天，咆哮的大海對精衛說："可憐的小鳥，停止你那無謂的舉動吧！你是永遠都填不平我的。" 精衛回答說："我當然會把你填平的！即使這需要千千萬萬年的時間，我也一定會斗爭到底，直到你的末日來臨！"
這只勇敢的小鳥繼續從山上銜來小樹枝和小石子，扔到東海中，從未有片刻休息。
"精衛填海"這個成語就是由這個傳說而來的，形容那些堅定不移，不屈不撓，不到目的決不罷休的人。
⑹ 英語版中國成語故事帶翻譯，短一點
塞翁失馬Blessing
or
Bane
戰國時期，靠近北部邊城，住著一個老人，名叫塞翁。塞翁養了許多馬，一天，他的馬群中忽然有一匹走失了。鄰居們聽說這件事，跑來安慰，勸他不必太著急，年齡大了，多注意身體。塞翁見有人勸慰，笑了笑說：「丟了一匹馬損失不大，沒准會帶來什麼福氣呢。」
鄰居聽了塞翁的話，心裡覺得很好笑。馬丟了，明明是件壞事，他卻認為也許是好事，顯然是自我安慰而已。過了幾天，丟失的馬不僅自動返回家，還帶回一匹匈奴的駿馬。
鄰居聽說了，對塞翁的預見非常佩服，向塞翁道賀說：「還是您有遠見，馬不僅沒有丟，還帶回一匹好馬，真是福氣呀。」
塞翁聽了鄰人的祝賀，反而一點高興的樣子都沒有，憂慮地說：「白白得了一匹好馬，不一定是什麼福氣，也許惹出什麼麻煩來。」
鄰居們以為他故作姿態純屬老年人的狡猾。心裡明明高興，有意不說出來。
塞翁有個獨生子，非常喜歡騎馬。他發現帶回來的那匹馬顧盼生姿，身長蹄大，嘶鳴嘹亮，膘悍神駿，一看就知道是匹好馬。他每天都騎馬出遊，心中洋洋得意。
一天，他高興得有些過火，打馬飛奔，一個趔趄，從馬背上跌下來，摔斷了腿。鄰居聽說，紛紛來慰問。
塞翁說：「沒什麼，腿摔斷了卻保住性命，或許是福氣呢。」鄰居們覺得他又在胡言亂語。他們想不出，摔斷腿會帶來什麼福氣。
不久，匈奴兵大舉入侵，青年人被應征入伍，塞翁的兒子因為摔斷了腿，不能去當兵。入伍的青年都戰死了，唯有塞翁的兒子保全了性命。
Near
China's
northern
borders
lived
a
man
well
versed
in
the
practices
of
Taoism.
His
horse,
for
no
reason
at
all,
got
into
the
territory
of
the
northern
tribes.
Everyone
commiserated
with
him.
"Perhaps
this
will
soon
turn
out
to
be
a
blessing,"
said
his
father.
After
a
few
months,
his
animal
came
back,
leading
a
fine
horse
from
the
north.
Everyone
congratulated
him.
"Perhaps
this
will
soon
turn
out
to
be
a
cause
of
misfortune,"
said
his
father.
Since
he
was
well-off
and
kept
good
horses
his
son
became
fond
of
riding
and
eventually
broke
his
thigh
bone
falling
from
a
horse.
Everyone
commiserated
with
him.
"Perhaps
this
will
soon
turn
out
to
be
a
blessing,"
said
his
father.
One
year
later,
the
northern
tribes
started
a
big
invasion
of
the
border
regions.
All
able-bodied
young
men
took
up
arms
and
fought
against
the
invaders,
and
as
a
result,
around
the
border
nine
out
of
ten
men
died.
This
man's
son
did
not
join
in
the
fighting
because
he
was
crippled
and
so
both
the
boy
and
his
father
survived.
⑺ 英語版中國成語故事
江郎才盡
Southern Dynasties of Jiang Yan, word Wen-tung, when he was young, became a Dingdingyouming writer, his poems and articles at the time received high acclaims. However, when he is getting older, he has not previously written an article good, but a lot of setbacks. His poems written in prosaic; and pick up a pen-yin grip for a long time, still can not write a word, the occasional inspiration came; poem written, but the textual Kuse, content, plain were completely useless. So some people to legend, once a boat parked in Chan Jiang Yan-Ling Monastery river and dream of a self-named Zhang Jingyang person; to his followers repay a silk, he would arrest a few feet from her, he is also silk. Thus, his article there will be no wonderful. It was also legend; once the rule of Jiang Yan in the booth sleeping too; dreamed that a person claiming to Guo Pu, walked over to his side, his claim to the pen, said to him: "Man Michie, I have a pen in your place has been a long time, and now should be able to give it to me the bar! "Jiang Yan heard, they dig out from his arms, he is also a five-color pen. Reportedly Since then, Jiang Yan on Evans exhausted and could not write the article in any good.
Jiang Yan's talent has not really run out, but he was an officer after the one hand, as the Chief busy, on the other hand also because of career proud of, without their own write, to sweat, they did not write the. Over time, the article will bring out less, lacking in talent. (Excerpt from "Practical Writing" 1995 No. 8 "I hope," Jiang "was not exactly")
南朝的江淹，字文通，他年輕的時候，就成為一個鼎鼎有名的文學家，他的詩和文章在當時獲得極高的評價。 可是，當他年紀漸漸大了以後，他的文章不但沒有以前寫得好了，而且退步不少。他的詩寫出來平淡無奇；而且提筆吟握好久，依舊寫不出一個字來，偶爾靈感來了；詩寫出來了，但文句枯澀，內容 平淡得一無可取。於是就有人傳說，有一次江淹乘船停在禪靈寺的河邊，夢見一 個自稱叫張景陽的人；向他討還一匹綢緞，他就從懷中拘出幾尺綢緞還他。因此,他的文章以後便不精彩了。又有人傳說；有一次江淹在冶亭中睡午覺；夢見一個自稱郭璞 的人，走到他的身邊，向他索筆，對他說：「文通兄，我有一支筆在你那兒已經很久了，現在應該可以還給我了吧!」 江淹聽了，就順手從懷里取出一支五色筆來還他。據說從此以後，江淹就文思枯竭，再也寫不出什麼好的文章了。
其實並不是江淹的才華已經用完了，而是他當官以後，一方面由於政務繁忙，另一方面也由於仕途得意，無需自己動筆，勞心費力，就不再動筆了。久而久之，文章自然會逐漸遜色，缺乏才氣。（節選自《應用寫作》1995年第8期《但願「江郎」才不盡》）
⑻ 誰有簡單的英文成語故事
成語故事，中英文對照
驚弓之鳥
Birds Startled by the Mere Twang of a Bowstring
戰國時期（公元前403―221年中國中原地區各諸侯國連年爭戰的時代）魏國有個名叫更羸的人。一天，他對國王說：「我只要拉開弓，空射一下，就能把天上的鳥射下來。」國王不相信。更羸便對准天上飛來的一隻雁射去，果真那隻雁聽到拉弦的聲音就掉了下來。國王感到很奇怪。更羸說，「那是一隻受過傷的雁。它一聽到我拉開弓弦的聲響，就驚慌得支持不住，自然要掉下來了。」
In the Warring States Period, there was a man in the State of Wei called Geng Lei. One day he said to the king: 'I can shoot down birds by simply plucking my bowstring.' When the king expressed doubt, Geng Lei pointed his bow at a wild goose flying in the sky, twanged the bowstring, and the goose fell to the ground. Geng Lei said, 'This goose has been hurt in the past. Hearing the twang of the bowstring, it assumed that it was doomed. So it simply gave up trying to live.'
「驚弓之鳥」這個成語比喻受過驚恐之後，有一點動靜就特別害怕。
This idiom means that if one has been frightened in the past one's will may become paralysed in a similar situation.
毛遂自薦
Mao Sui Recommending Himself
戰國時代，秦國軍隊攻打趙國的都城。趙國的平原君打算親自到楚國去請救兵，想挑選一個精明能乾的人一同前去。有一個名叫毛遂的人，自告奮勇願意同去。平原君到楚國後，與楚王談了半天，沒有一點結果。毛遂怒氣沖沖地拿著寶劍，逼近楚王，終於迫使楚王答應出兵，與趙國聯合共同抵抗秦國。
In the Warring States Period, the State of Qin besieged the capital of the State of Zhao. Duke Pingyuan of Zhao planned to ask the ruler of the State of Chu personally for assistance. He wanted to select a capable man to go with him. A man called Mao Sui volunteered. When the negoti-actions between the two states were stalled because the ruler of Chu hesitated to send troops, Mao Sui approached him, brandishing a sword. At that, the ruler of Chu agreed to help Zhao, against Qin.
「毛遂自薦」這個成語用來比喻自己推薦自己，不必別人介紹。
This idiom means to recommend oneself.
世外桃源
A Haven of Peace and Happiness
東晉的文學家陶淵明寫了一片著名的文章叫《桃花源記》。敘述一個漁人出外捕魚的時候，偶然來到了桃花源這個地方。從這里通過一個山洞，發現了一個村子，這里的居民是秦朝時避難人的後代。這是一個與世隔絕、沒有剝削和壓迫、人人安居樂業的美好社會。漁人告別村民回家以後，再也找不到這個地方了。
Tao Yuanming, a famous writer of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), wrote the well-known essay Peach-Blossom Spring. In it he tells a story which goes like this: A fisherman happened to come upon a place called Peach-Blossom Spring. Squeezing through a cave, he found a village, the residents of which were descendants of refugees from the Qin Dynasty. It was a paradise isolated from the outside world, without exploitation or oppression, and everybody living and working in peace and contentment. The fisherman left the villagers and went home. But he could never find the place again.
後來，由這個故事產生了「世外桃源」這個成語，用來比喻與世隔絕的、理想的美好世界。
This idiom is derived from the above story, and is used to mean an isolated, ideal world.
南轅北轍
Going South by Driving the Chariot North
從前有個人要到南方去，他坐的車子卻向北方行駛。過路人說：「你去南方，車子怎麼向北行駛呢？」他回答說：「我的馬很能跑路，我的車夫駕車的技術也很高明，加上我又帶了充足的路費。」這個人沒有考慮到，方向弄反了，他的條件越好，離他要去的地方就越遠。
Once a man wanted to go to the south, but his carriage was heading north. A passer-by asked him: 'If you are going to the south, why is your chariot heading north? ' The man answered, 'My horse is good at running, my driver is highly skilled at driving a carriage, and I have enough money. ' The man didn't consider that the direction might be wrong; the better his conditions were, the further he was away from his destination.
後來人們就把這個故事概括為「南轅北轍」，比喻一個人的行為和他的目的正好相反。
The idiom derived from this story indicates that one's action was the opposite effect to one's intention.
畫龍點睛
Putting the Finishing Touch to the Picture of a Dragon
南北朝(公元420--589)時期，有個畫家叫張僧繇。有一次，他到一個寺廟去遊玩，在牆壁上面畫了四條龍，可是都沒有畫出眼睛。看畫的人覺得很奇怪，問他為什麼不畫出眼睛。他說：「眼睛是龍的關鍵，畫上眼睛，龍就會飛走了。」大家不相信他說的話。張僧繇拿起筆來，剛給兩條龍點上眼睛，立刻電閃雷鳴，兩條龍飛向天空，牆上只剩下兩條沒有畫眼睛的龍。
In the Southern and Northern Dynasties Period (420-589), there was a painter called Zhang Sengyou. Once he visited a temple and painted on the wall four dragons, but gave none of them eyes. The onlookers felt that this was odd, and asked why he hadn't painted the eyes. He answered, 'Eyes are crucial for dragons. With the eyes painted on, the dragons would fly away.' Nobody believed this, so Zhang Sengyou took up his brush and added eyes to two of the dragons. No sooner had he finished than the two dragons flew into the sky amid a thunderstorm. The two without eyes stayed painted on the wall.
「畫龍點睛」這個成語用來比喻講話或寫文章時，在關鍵地方加一兩句重要的話，使內容更加生動有力。
This idiom is used to describe how, when writing or speaking, one or two key sentences will enhance the contents.
畫蛇添足
Drawing a snake and Adding Feet
戰國時代有個楚國人祭他的祖先。儀式結束後，他拿出一壺酒賞給手下的幾個人。大家商量說：「我們都來畫蛇，誰先畫好誰就喝這壺酒。」其中有一個人先畫好了。但他看到同伴還沒有畫完，就又給蛇添上了腳。這時，另一個人也畫好了，奪過酒壺吧酒喝了，並且說：「蛇本來是沒有腳的，你怎麼能給它添上腳呢？」
In the Warring States Period, a man in the State of Chu was offering a sacrifice to his ancestors. After the ceremony, the man gave a beaker of wine to his servants. The servants thought that there was not enough wine for all them, and decided to each draw a picture of a snake; the one who finished the picture first would get the wine. One of them drew very rapidly. Seeing that the others were still busy drawing, he added feet to the snake. At this moment another man finished, snatched the beaker and drank the wine, saying, 'A snake doesn't have feet. How can you add feet to a snake? '
「畫蛇添足」這個成語比喻做了多餘而不恰當的事，反而把事情弄糟了。
This idiom refers to ruining a venture by doing unnecessary and surplus things.
班門弄斧
Showing Off One's Proficiency with the Axe Before Lu Ban the Master Carpenter
古代有一個建築和雕刻技術非常高超的人，名叫魯班，木匠行里尊稱他為祖師。傳說他曾用木頭製作了一隻五彩斑斕的鳳凰，能夠在空中飛翔三天不掉下來。在魯班門前擺弄斧子，當然顯得有些自不量力了。
Lu Ban was supposed to be a consummate carpenter in ancient times. It is said that he once carved a wooden phoenix that was so lifelike that it actually flew in the sky for three days. Thus it was considered the height of folly to show off one's skill with an axe in front of Lu Ban.
「班門弄斧」這個成語，用來比喻在行家面前顯示本領。
This idiom excoriates those who show off their slight accomplishments in front of experts.
可愛多 2005-6-13 08:38
怒發沖冠
So Angry That One' s Hair Lifts Up One' s Hat
戰國時代，趙國的大臣藺相如出使到秦國。在他向秦王索回玉璧的時候，秦王蠻不講理，藺相如氣憤得連頭發都豎了起來，向上沖著帽子。
In the Warring States Period, Lin Xiangru, chief min-ister of the State of Zhao, was sent as an envoy to the State of Qin to ask the ruler of Qin to return a fine piece of jade to Zhao. But the ruler of Qin was rude and unreasonable. Lin was angry, and his hair stood up so stiffly on his head that it lifted up his hat.
後來人們用「怒發沖冠」這個成語形容人憤怒到了極點。
This idiom came to be used to mean being extremely angry.
畫餅充飢
Allaying Hunger with Pictures of Cakes
三國時代魏國的皇帝曹睿，准備選拔一個有才能的人到朝廷來做官。曹睿對他的大臣說：「選擇人才，不能光找有虛名的人。虛名好像是在地上畫的一塊餅，只能看，不能解決肚子飢餓的問題啊！」
In the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), the king of the Wei, Cao Rui, wanted to select a very capable man to work for him. He said to his ministers: 'When choosing a talented person, always beware of one with a false reputation. A false reputation is just like a picture of a cake; it can' t relieve hunger.'
後來人們就用「畫餅充飢」這個成語比喻用空想安慰自己，不能解決實際問題。
Later, this idiom came to be used to mean comforting oneself with unrealistic thoughts, without solving practical problems.
一鳴驚人
Amazing the World with a Single Feat
戰國時代，齊威王即位後做了三年國君，只顧享樂，不理政事。有個善於說笑話的人叫淳於髡，一天對齊威王說：「城裡有一隻大鳥，三年不飛也不叫，你知道這是什麼道理？」齊威王說：「這鳥不飛則罷，一飛就沖天；不鳴則罷，一鳴就驚人。」在淳於髡的激發下，齊威王開始治理國家，取得很大成績，齊國的聲威一直保持了幾十年。
In the Warring States Period, Duke Wei of Qi neglected state affairs, for the first three years of his reign, giving himself over to dissipation. One of his ministers, Chun Yukun who had a good sense of humour, said to him: 'There is a big bird which has neither taken wing nor sung for three years.' The ke answered, 'Once that bird starts to fly and sing, it will astonish the world.' The ke thereupon devoted himself to his ties and built his state up into a powerful one.
「一鳴驚人」用來表示平時默默無聞，一旦行動起來，卻做出驚人的成績。
This idiom is used to indicate that a person may rise from obscurity and achieve greatness.
株待兔
Sitting by a Stump, Waiting for a Careless Hare
春秋時代，宋國有個農夫，一天在耕田的時候，忽然跑來一隻兔子，恰巧碰在樹樁上，脖子折斷死了。農夫把兔子拾回家去，美美地吃了一頓兔肉。晚上他想：「我何必辛辛苦苦地種地呢？每天在樹下能撿到一隻兔子就夠我吃的了。」於是，他從此不再耕作，每天坐在樹下等待兔子的到來。
In the Spring and Autumn Period, a farmer in the State of Song was one day working in the fields when he saw a rabbit bump into a tree stump accidentally and break its neck. The farmer took the rabbit home, and cooked himself a delicious meal. That night he thought, 'I needn't work so hard. All I have to do is wait for a rabbit each day by the stump.' So from then on he gave up farming, and simply sat by the stump waiting for rabbits to come and run into it.
「守株待兔」這個成語，譏笑那些不想經過努力，存在僥幸心理，希望得到意外收獲的人。
This idiom satirizes those who just wait for a stroke of luck, rather than making efforts to obtain what they need.
Zengzi Slaughters a Pig
曾子殺彘
engzi』s wife was going to the market. Her little son insisted on going with her, making a tearful scene. 「Stay at home,」 she said to the boy. 「When I come back, I will slaughter a pig for you.」 When she came back, Zengzi got ready to slaughter the pig. His wife stopped him, saying: 「I was just kidding.」 「A child is not to be kidded like that!」 he replied. 「A child does not know much and cannot judge for himself. He learns from his parents and listens to what they day. To lie to him is to teach him to lie to others. If a mother lies to her son, he will not trust her anymore. How is she then to ecate him?」 With that Zengzi went to slaughter the pig and prepare a good meal for their son.
曾子的妻子到集市上去, 他的兒子哭著要跟去. 他的母親說: 「你回家呆著,待會兒我回來殺豬給你吃.」 她剛從集市上回來, 曾子就要捉豬去殺. 妻子勸止他說: 「只不過是跟孩子開玩笑罷了.」 曾子說: 「不能跟孩子開玩笑啊! 小孩子沒有思考和判斷能力, 要想父母親學習, 聽從父母的教導. 現在你欺騙他,這是教孩子騙人啊! 母親欺騙兒子, 兒子就不再相信自己的母親了, 這不是實現教育的方法.」 於是曾子就殺豬煮肉給孩子吃.
狐假虎威
Basking in Reflected Glory
老虎在山林里捉到了一隻狐狸，要吃掉它。狐狸連忙說：「你不能吃我，我是天帝派來統治百獸的。你要吃了我，就違抗了天帝的命令。你不信，就跟我到山林里去一趟，看百獸見了我是不是都很害怕。」老虎相信了狐狸的話，就跟在狐狸的後面走進山林。百獸見了果然都紛紛逃命。老虎以為百獸真的害怕狐狸而不知道是害怕自己，於是就把狐狸給放了。
A tiger caught a fox in a forest, and was just about to eat it, when the fox said, 'You mustn't eat me. I was sent by Heaven to rule the animals. By eating me, you will violate the command of Heaven. If you don't believe me, just follow me to see whether the animals are afraid of me.' The tiger agreed, and followed the fox as it walked around the forest. The animals all ran away on seeing them. The tiger thought they were afraid of the fox, so he let it go. He didn't realise that it was him that the beasts were really afraid of.
「狐假虎威」這個成語用來比喻倚仗別人的勢力去欺壓人或嚇唬人。
This idiom means relying on another's power to bully or frighten others.
破鏡重圓
A Broken Mirror Made Whole Agian
南朝陳國(公元557-589)將要滅亡的時候，駙馬徐德言把一面銅鏡破開，跟妻子各留下一半。雙方約定：如果將來夫妻失散了，就把它當作信物。後來，夫妻二人真的失散了，憑借著各人留下的半面鏡子，他們最終又得到團圓。
In the Northern and Southern Dynasties when the State of Chen (A.D. 557-589) was facing its demise, Xu Deyan, husband of the princess, broke a bronze mirror into halves. Each of them kept a half as tokens in case they were separated. Soon afterwards, they did lose touch with each other, but the two halves of the mirror enabled them to be reunited.
「破鏡重圓」這個成語比喻夫妻失散或分離後重新團聚。
This idiom is used to refer to the reunion of a couple after they lose touch or break up.
一鼓作氣
Rousing the Spirits with the First Drum Roll
春秋時代，齊國派兵攻打魯國。魯國的國王魯庄公帶著謀士曹劌指揮作戰。齊軍第一次擊鼓以後，魯軍准備發起進攻。曹劌說：「不行。」齊軍三次擊鼓以後，曹劌才說：「現在可以進攻了。」結果齊軍大敗。戰斗結束後，魯庄公問曹劌勝利的原因。曹劌說：「打仗要考勇氣。第一次擊鼓，士氣十分旺盛；第二次擊鼓，士氣有些衰落；第三次擊鼓，士氣就消耗盡了。敵人士氣耗盡，我們發起進攻，所以取得了勝利。」
During the Spring and Autumn Period, an army from the State of Qi confronted one from the State of Lu. After the first roll of drums from the Qi side to summon Lu to battle, the Lu ruler wanted to attack. But his counsellor Cao Gui said, 'We should wait until the third drum roll, sire.' After the Qi side had beaten the drums three times, the Lu army attacked and defeated the Qi army. After the battle, the king asked Cao Gui the reason for his odd advice. Cao Gui answered, 'Fighting needs spirit. Their spirit was aroused by the first roll or the drums, but was depleted by the second. And it was completely exhausted by the third. We started to attack when their spirit was exhausted. That's why we won.'
後來，「一鼓作氣」形容鼓起勁頭，一下子把事情幹完。
This idiom later meant to get something done with one sustained effort.
⑼ 我急需中國成語英文小故事（中英對照）謝謝啦
成語故事，中英文對照
驚弓之鳥
Birds Startled by the Mere Twang of a Bowstring
戰國時期（公元前403―221年中國中原地區各諸侯國連年爭戰的時代）魏國有個名叫更羸的人。一天，他對國王說：「我只要拉開弓，空射一下，就能把天上的鳥射下來。」國王不相信。更羸便對准天上飛來的一隻雁射去，果真那隻雁聽到拉弦的聲音就掉了下來。國王感到很奇怪。更羸說，「那是一隻受過傷的雁。它一聽到我拉開弓弦的聲響，就驚慌得支持不住，自然要掉下來了。」
In the Warring States Period, there was a man in the State of Wei called Geng Lei. One day he said to the king: 'I can shoot down birds by simply plucking my bowstring.' When the king expressed doubt, Geng Lei pointed his bow at a wild goose flying in the sky, twanged the bowstring, and the goose fell to the ground. Geng Lei said, 'This goose has been hurt in the past. Hearing the twang of the bowstring, it assumed that it was doomed. So it simply gave up trying to live.'
「驚弓之鳥」這個成語比喻受過驚恐之後，有一點動靜就特別害怕。
This idiom means that if one has been frightened in the past one's will may become paralysed in a similar situation.
毛遂自薦
Mao Sui Recommending Himself
戰國時代，秦國軍隊攻打趙國的都城。趙國的平原君打算親自到楚國去請救兵，想挑選一個精明能乾的人一同前去。有一個名叫毛遂的人，自告奮勇願意同去。平原君到楚國後，與楚王談了半天，沒有一點結果。毛遂怒氣沖沖地拿著寶劍，逼近楚王，終於迫使楚王答應出兵，與趙國聯合共同抵抗秦國。
In the Warring States Period, the State of Qin besieged the capital of the State of Zhao. Duke Pingyuan of Zhao planned to ask the ruler of the State of Chu personally for assistance. He wanted to select a capable man to go with him. A man called Mao Sui volunteered. When the negoti-actions between the two states were stalled because the ruler of Chu hesitated to send troops, Mao Sui approached him, brandishing a sword. At that, the ruler of Chu agreed to help Zhao, against Qin.
「毛遂自薦」這個成語用來比喻自己推薦自己，不必別人介紹。
This idiom means to recommend oneself.
世外桃源
A Haven of Peace and Happiness
東晉的文學家陶淵明寫了一片著名的文章叫《桃花源記》。敘述一個漁人出外捕魚的時候，偶然來到了桃花源這個地方。從這里通過一個山洞，發現了一個村子，這里的居民是秦朝時避難人的後代。這是一個與世隔絕、沒有剝削和壓迫、人人安居樂業的美好社會。漁人告別村民回家以後，再也找不到這個地方了。
Tao Yuanming, a famous writer of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), wrote the well-known essay Peach-Blossom Spring. In it he tells a story which goes like this: A fisherman happened to come upon a place called Peach-Blossom Spring. Squeezing through a cave, he found a village, the residents of which were descendants of refugees from the Qin Dynasty. It was a paradise isolated from the outside world, without exploitation or oppression, and everybody living and working in peace and contentment. The fisherman left the villagers and went home. But he could never find the place again.
後來，由這個故事產生了「世外桃源」這個成語，用來比喻與世隔絕的、理想的美好世界。
This idiom is derived from the above story, and is used to mean an isolated, ideal world.
南轅北轍
Going South by Driving the Chariot North
從前有個人要到南方去，他坐的車子卻向北方行駛。過路人說：「你去南方，車子怎麼向北行駛呢？」他回答說：「我的馬很能跑路，我的車夫駕車的技術也很高明，加上我又帶了充足的路費。」這個人沒有考慮到，方向弄反了，他的條件越好，離他要去的地方就越遠。
Once a man wanted to go to the south, but his carriage was heading north. A passer-by asked him: 'If you are going to the south, why is your chariot heading north? ' The man answered, 'My horse is good at running, my driver is highly skilled at driving a carriage, and I have enough money. ' The man didn't consider that the direction might be wrong; the better his conditions were, the further he was away from his destination.
後來人們就把這個故事概括為「南轅北轍」，比喻一個人的行為和他的目的正好相反。
The idiom derived from this story indicates that one's action was the opposite effect to one's intention.
畫龍點睛
Putting the Finishing Touch to the Picture of a Dragon
南北朝(公元420--589)時期，有個畫家叫張僧繇。有一次，他到一個寺廟去遊玩，在牆壁上面畫了四條龍，可是都沒有畫出眼睛。看畫的人覺得很奇怪，問他為什麼不畫出眼睛。他說：「眼睛是龍的關鍵，畫上眼睛，龍就會飛走了。」大家不相信他說的話。張僧繇拿起筆來，剛給兩條龍點上眼睛，立刻電閃雷鳴，兩條龍飛向天空，牆上只剩下兩條沒有畫眼睛的龍。
In the Southern and Northern Dynasties Period (420-589), there was a painter called Zhang Sengyou. Once he visited a temple and painted on the wall four dragons, but gave none of them eyes. The onlookers felt that this was odd, and asked why he hadn't painted the eyes. He answered, 'Eyes are crucial for dragons. With the eyes painted on, the dragons would fly away.' Nobody believed this, so Zhang Sengyou took up his brush and added eyes to two of the dragons. No sooner had he finished than the two dragons flew into the sky amid a thunderstorm. The two without eyes stayed painted on the wall.
「畫龍點睛」這個成語用來比喻講話或寫文章時，在關鍵地方加一兩句重要的話，使內容更加生動有力。
This idiom is used to describe how, when writing or speaking, one or two key sentences will enhance the contents.
畫蛇添足
Drawing a snake and Adding Feet
戰國時代有個楚國人祭他的祖先。儀式結束後，他拿出一壺酒賞給手下的幾個人。大家商量說：「我們都來畫蛇，誰先畫好誰就喝這壺酒。」其中有一個人先畫好了。但他看到同伴還沒有畫完，就又給蛇添上了腳。這時，另一個人也畫好了，奪過酒壺吧酒喝了，並且說：「蛇本來是沒有腳的，你怎麼能給它添上腳呢？」
In the Warring States Period, a man in the State of Chu was offering a sacrifice to his ancestors. After the ceremony, the man gave a beaker of wine to his servants. The servants thought that there was not enough wine for all them, and decided to each draw a picture of a snake; the one who finished the picture first would get the wine. One of them drew very rapidly. Seeing that the others were still busy drawing, he added feet to the snake. At this moment another man finished, snatched the beaker and drank the wine, saying, 'A snake doesn't have feet. How can you add feet to a snake? '
「畫蛇添足」這個成語比喻做了多餘而不恰當的事，反而把事情弄糟了。
This idiom refers to ruining a venture by doing unnecessary and surplus things.
班門弄斧
Showing Off One's Proficiency with the Axe Before Lu Ban the Master Carpenter
古代有一個建築和雕刻技術非常高超的人，名叫魯班，木匠行里尊稱他為祖師。傳說他曾用木頭製作了一隻五彩斑斕的鳳凰，能夠在空中飛翔三天不掉下來。在魯班門前擺弄斧子，當然顯得有些自不量力了。
Lu Ban was supposed to be a consummate carpenter in ancient times. It is said that he once carved a wooden phoenix that was so lifelike that it actually flew in the sky for three days. Thus it was considered the height of folly to show off one's skill with an axe in front of Lu Ban.
「班門弄斧」這個成語，用來比喻在行家面前顯示本領。
This idiom excoriates those who show off their slight accomplishments in front of experts.
可愛多 2005-6-13 08:38
怒發沖冠
So Angry That One' s Hair Lifts Up One' s Hat
戰國時代，趙國的大臣藺相如出使到秦國。在他向秦王索回玉璧的時候，秦王蠻不講理，藺相如氣憤得連頭發都豎了起來，向上沖著帽子。
In the Warring States Period, Lin Xiangru, chief min-ister of the State of Zhao, was sent as an envoy to the State of Qin to ask the ruler of Qin to return a fine piece of jade to Zhao. But the ruler of Qin was rude and unreasonable. Lin was angry, and his hair stood up so stiffly on his head that it lifted up his hat.
後來人們用「怒發沖冠」這個成語形容人憤怒到了極點。
This idiom came to be used to mean being extremely angry.
畫餅充飢
Allaying Hunger with Pictures of Cakes
三國時代魏國的皇帝曹睿，准備選拔一個有才能的人到朝廷來做官。曹睿對他的大臣說：「選擇人才，不能光找有虛名的人。虛名好像是在地上畫的一塊餅，只能看，不能解決肚子飢餓的問題啊！」
In the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), the king of the Wei, Cao Rui, wanted to select a very capable man to work for him. He said to his ministers: 'When choosing a talented person, always beware of one with a false reputation. A false reputation is just like a picture of a cake; it can' t relieve hunger.'
後來人們就用「畫餅充飢」這個成語比喻用空想安慰自己，不能解決實際問題。
Later, this idiom came to be used to mean comforting oneself with unrealistic thoughts, without solving practical problems.
一鳴驚人
Amazing the World with a Single Feat
戰國時代，齊威王即位後做了三年國君，只顧享樂，不理政事。有個善於說笑話的人叫淳於髡，一天對齊威王說：「城裡有一隻大鳥，三年不飛也不叫，你知道這是什麼道理？」齊威王說：「這鳥不飛則罷，一飛就沖天；不鳴則罷，一鳴就驚人。」在淳於髡的激發下，齊威王開始治理國家，取得很大成績，齊國的聲威一直保持了幾十年。
In the Warring States Period, Duke Wei of Qi neglected state affairs, for the first three years of his reign, giving himself over to dissipation. One of his ministers, Chun Yukun who had a good sense of humour, said to him: 'There is a big bird which has neither taken wing nor sung for three years.' The ke answered, 'Once that bird starts to fly and sing, it will astonish the world.' The ke thereupon devoted himself to his ties and built his state up into a powerful one.
「一鳴驚人」用來表示平時默默無聞，一旦行動起來，卻做出驚人的成績。
This idiom is used to indicate that a person may rise from obscurity and achieve greatness.
株待兔
Sitting by a Stump, Waiting for a Careless Hare
春秋時代，宋國有個農夫，一天在耕田的時候，忽然跑來一隻兔子，恰巧碰在樹樁上，脖子折斷死了。農夫把兔子拾回家去，美美地吃了一頓兔肉。晚上他想：「我何必辛辛苦苦地種地呢？每天在樹下能撿到一隻兔子就夠我吃的了。」於是，他從此不再耕作，每天坐在樹下等待兔子的到來。
In the Spring and Autumn Period, a farmer in the State of Song was one day working in the fields when he saw a rabbit bump into a tree stump accidentally and break its neck. The farmer took the rabbit home, and cooked himself a delicious meal. That night he thought, 'I needn't work so hard. All I have to do is wait for a rabbit each day by the stump.' So from then on he gave up farming, and simply sat by the stump waiting for rabbits to come and run into it.
「守株待兔」這個成語，譏笑那些不想經過努力，存在僥幸心理，希望得到意外收獲的人。
This idiom satirizes those who just wait for a stroke of luck, rather than making efforts to obtain what they need.
Zengzi Slaughters a Pig
曾子殺彘
engzi』s wife was going to the market. Her little son insisted on going with her, making a tearful scene. 「Stay at home,」 she said to the boy. 「When I come back, I will slaughter a pig for you.」 When she came back, Zengzi got ready to slaughter the pig. His wife stopped him, saying: 「I was just kidding.」 「A child is not to be kidded like that!」 he replied. 「A child does not know much and cannot judge for himself. He learns from his parents and listens to what they day. To lie to him is to teach him to lie to others. If a mother lies to her son, he will not trust her anymore. How is she then to ecate him?」 With that Zengzi went to slaughter the pig and prepare a good meal for their son.
曾子的妻子到集市上去, 他的兒子哭著要跟去. 他的母親說: 「你回家呆著,待會兒我回來殺豬給你吃.」 她剛從集市上回來, 曾子就要捉豬去殺. 妻子勸止他說: 「只不過是跟孩子開玩笑罷了.」 曾子說: 「不能跟孩子開玩笑啊! 小孩子沒有思考和判斷能力, 要想父母親學習, 聽從父母的教導. 現在你欺騙他,這是教孩子騙人啊! 母親欺騙兒子, 兒子就不再相信自己的母親了, 這不是實現教育的方法.」 於是曾子就殺豬煮肉給孩子吃.
狐假虎威
Basking in Reflected Glory
老虎在山林里捉到了一隻狐狸，要吃掉它。狐狸連忙說：「你不能吃我，我是天帝派來統治百獸的。你要吃了我，就違抗了天帝的命令。你不信，就跟我到山林里去一趟，看百獸見了我是不是都很害怕。」老虎相信了狐狸的話，就跟在狐狸的後面走進山林。百獸見了果然都紛紛逃命。老虎以為百獸真的害怕狐狸而不知道是害怕自己，於是就把狐狸給放了。
A tiger caught a fox in a forest, and was just about to eat it, when the fox said, 'You mustn't eat me. I was sent by Heaven to rule the animals. By eating me, you will violate the command of Heaven. If you don't believe me, just follow me to see whether the animals are afraid of me.' The tiger agreed, and followed the fox as it walked around the forest. The animals all ran away on seeing them. The tiger thought they were afraid of the fox, so he let it go. He didn't realise that it was him that the beasts were really afraid of.
「狐假虎威」這個成語用來比喻倚仗別人的勢力去欺壓人或嚇唬人。
This idiom means relying on another's power to bully or frighten others.
破鏡重圓
A Broken Mirror Made Whole Agian
南朝陳國(公元557-589)將要滅亡的時候，駙馬徐德言把一面銅鏡破開，跟妻子各留下一半。雙方約定：如果將來夫妻失散了，就把它當作信物。後來，夫妻二人真的失散了，憑借著各人留下的半面鏡子，他們最終又得到團圓。
In the Northern and Southern Dynasties when the State of Chen (A.D. 557-589) was facing its demise, Xu Deyan, husband of the princess, broke a bronze mirror into halves. Each of them kept a half as tokens in case they were separated. Soon afterwards, they did lose touch with each other, but the two halves of the mirror enabled them to be reunited.
「破鏡重圓」這個成語比喻夫妻失散或分離後重新團聚。
This idiom is used to refer to the reunion of a couple after they lose touch or break up.
一鼓作氣
Rousing the Spirits with the First Drum Roll
春秋時代，齊國派兵攻打魯國。魯國的國王魯庄公帶著謀士曹劌指揮作戰。齊軍第一次擊鼓以後，魯軍准備發起進攻。曹劌說：「不行。」齊軍三次擊鼓以後，曹劌才說：「現在可以進攻了。」結果齊軍大敗。戰斗結束後，魯庄公問曹劌勝利的原因。曹劌說：「打仗要考勇氣。第一次擊鼓，士氣十分旺盛；第二次擊鼓，士氣有些衰落；第三次擊鼓，士氣就消耗盡了。敵人士氣耗盡，我們發起進攻，所以取得了勝利。」
During the Spring and Autumn Period, an army from the State of Qi confronted one from the State of Lu. After the first roll of drums from the Qi side to summon Lu to battle, the Lu ruler wanted to attack. But his counsellor Cao Gui said, 'We should wait until the third drum roll, sire.' After the Qi side had beaten the drums three times, the Lu army attacked and defeated the Qi army. After the battle, the king asked Cao Gui the reason for his odd advice. Cao Gui answered, 'Fighting needs spirit. Their spirit was aroused by the first roll or the drums, but was depleted by the second. And it was completely exhausted by the third. We started to attack when their spirit was exhausted. That's why we won.'
後來，「一鼓作氣」形容鼓起勁頭，一下子把事情幹完。
This idiom later meant to get something done with one sustained effort.