简短英文成语小故事
成语故事《黔驴技穷》带翻译
In ancient times there were no donkeys in Guizhou province. Somebody brought a donkey from somewhere and tied it to a tree at the foot of a mountain.
A tiger saw the donkey, and thought that it must be a fearsome(可怕的) monster. It hide behind a tree and spied on the donkey.
When the donkey brayed(叫) , the tiger was frightened, thinking that the donkey was about to devour(吞食，毁灭) it. After a while, seeing that the donkey had not moved, the tiger approached it and teased it. The donkey became angry, and kicked the tiger.
The tiger thought to itself: "Its then all it is capable of?" It then jumped on the donkey and ate it.
This idiom is used to mean that one has exhauseted one's skills.
过去贵州(黔)这个地方没有驴。有个多事的人用船运来了一头驴，运来后却没有什么用处，就把驴放到山脚下。
一只老虎看见了驴，以为这个躯体高大的家伙一定很神奇，就躲在树林里偷偷观察着，后来又悄悄走出来，小心翼翼地接近驴，不知道驴子的底细。
有一天，驴叫了一声，大虎大吃一惊，远远躲开，以为驴要咬自己了，非常恐惧。然而，老虎反复观察以后，觉得驴并没有什么特殊本领，而且越来越熟悉驴的叫声了。老虎开始走到驴的前后，转来转去，还不敢上去攻击驴。以后，老虎慢慢逼近驴，越来越放肆，或者碰它一下，或者靠它一下，不断冒犯它。驴非常恼怒，就用蹄子去踢老虎。
老虎心里盘算着：“你的本事也不过如此罢了!”非常高兴。于是老虎腾空扑去，大吼一声，咬断了驴的喉管，啃完了驴的肉，才离去了。
唉!那驴的躯体高大，好像有德行;声音洪亮，好像有本事。假如不显出那有限的本事，老虎虽然凶猛，也会存有疑虑畏惧的心理，终究不敢攻击它。现在落得如此下场，不是很可悲吗?
❷ 简单的英文成语故事（有翻译）
书虫系列的有翻译还挺短的
❸ 求英语成语典故20个，越短越好
1.An Apple of Discord 争斗之源；不和之因；祸根 ，出自荷马史诗 Iliad 中的希腊神话故事 An Apple of Discord 直译为“纠纷的苹果” 传说希腊阿耳戈英雄Argonaut珀琉斯Peleus和爱琴海海神涅柔斯的女儿西蒂斯Thetis在珀利翁山举行婚礼，大摆宴席。他们邀请了奥林匹斯上Olympus的诸神参加喜筵，不知是有意还是无心，惟独没有邀请掌管争执的女神厄里斯Eris。这位女神恼羞成怒，决定在这次喜筵上制造不和。于是，她不请自来，并悄悄在筵席上放了一个金苹果，上面镌刻着“属于最美者”几个字。天后赫拉Hera，智慧女神雅典娜Athena、爱与美之神阿芙罗狄蒂Aphrodite，都自以为最美，应得金苹果，获得“最美者”称号。她们争执不下，闹到众神之父宙斯Zeus那里，但宙斯碍于难言之隐，不愿偏袒任何一方，就要她们去找特洛伊的王子帕里斯Paris评判。三位女神为了获得金苹果，都各自私许帕里斯以某种好处：赫拉许给他以广袤国土和掌握富饶财宝的权利，雅典娜许以文武全才和胜利的荣誉，阿芙罗狄蒂则许他成为世界上最美艳女子的丈夫。年青的帕里斯在富贵、荣誉和美女之间选择了后者，便把金苹果判给爱与美之神。为此，赫拉和雅典娜怀恨帕里斯，连带也憎恨整个特洛伊人。后来阿芙罗狄蒂为了履行诺言，帮助帕里斯拐走了斯巴达国王墨涅俄斯的王后---绝世美女海伦Helen，从而引起了历时 10 年的特洛伊战争。不和女神厄里斯丢下的那个苹果，不仅成了天上 3 位女神之间不和的根源，而且也成为了人间 2 个民族之间战争 的 起 因 。 因 此 ， 在 英 语 中 产 生 了 an apple of discord 这 个 成 语 ， 常 用 来 比 喻any subject of disagreement and contentionthe root of the troubledispute 等意义 这个成语最初为公元 2 世纪时的古罗马历史学家马克朱里尤斯丁Marcus Juninus Justinus所使用，后来广泛的流传到欧洲许多语言中去，成为了一个国际性成语。eg: He throwing us an apple of discordwe soon quarrelled again. The dispute about inheriting estate formed an apple of discord between them. This problem seems to be an apple of discord between the Soviet union and the USA.2.The Heel of Achilles 亦作 The Achilles Heel 唯一弱点；薄弱环节；要害 The Heel of Achilles 直译是“阿基里斯的脚踵” ，是个在欧洲广泛流行的国际性成语。它源自荷马史诗 Iliad 中的希腊神话故事。 阿基里斯是希腊联军里最英勇善战的骁将，也是荷马史诗 Iliad 里的主要人物之一。传说他是希腊密耳弥多涅斯人的国王珀琉斯和海神的女儿西蒂斯所生的儿子。阿基里斯瓜瓜坠地以后，母亲想使儿子健壮永生，把他放在火里锻炼，又捏着他的脚踵倒浸在冥河Styx圣水里浸泡。因此阿基里斯浑身象钢筋铁骨，刀枪不入，只有脚踵部位被母亲的手捏住，没有沾到冥河圣水，成为他的唯一要害。在特洛伊战争中，阿基里斯骁勇无敌，所向披靡，杀死了特洛伊主将，著名英雄赫克托耳Hector，而特洛伊的任何武器都无法伤害他的身躯。后来，太阳神阿波罗Apollo把阿基里斯的弱点告诉了特洛伊王子帕里斯，阿基里斯终于被帕里斯诱到城门口，用暗箭射中他的脚踵，负伤而死。 因 此 ， the heel of Achilles 也 称 the Achilles heel ， 常 用 以 表 示a weak point in something that is otherwise without faultthe weakest spot 等意思。eg:The shortage of fortitude is his heel of Achilles. His Achilles heel was his pride--he would get very angry if anyone criticized his work.3.Helen of Troy Helen of Troy 直译quot特洛伊的海伦quot，源自源自荷马史诗 Iliad 中的希腊神话故事。 Helen 是希腊的绝世佳人，美艳无比，嫁给希腊南部邦城斯巴达国王墨涅俄斯Menelaus为妻。后来，特洛伊王子帕里斯奉命出事希腊，在斯巴达国王那里做客，他在爱与美之神阿芙罗狄蒂的帮助下，趁着墨涅俄斯外出之际，诱走海伦，还带走了很多财宝 此事激起了希腊各部族的公愤，墨涅俄斯发誓说，宁死也要夺回海轮，报仇雪恨。为此，在希腊各城邦英雄的赞助下，调集十万大军和 1180 条战船，组成了希腊联军，公推墨涅俄斯的哥哥阿枷门农Agamemnon为联军统帅，浩浩荡荡，跨海东征，攻打特洛伊城，企图用武力夺回海轮。双方大战 10年，死伤无数，许多英雄战死在沙场。甚至连奥林匹斯山的众神也分成 2 个阵营，有些支持希腊人，有些 ，彼此展开了一场持久的恶斗。最后希腊联军采用足智多谋的奥德修斯Osseus的“木帮助特洛伊人， ，里应外合才攻陷了特洛伊。希腊人进城后，大肆杀戮，帕里斯王子也被杀死，特洛伊的妇女、儿童马计”全部沦为奴隶。特洛伊城被掠夺一空，烧成了一片灰烬。战争结实后，希腊将士带着大量战利品回到希腊，墨涅俄斯抢回了美貌的海轮重返故土。这就是特洛伊战争的起因和结局。正是由于海轮，使特洛伊遭到毁灭的悲剧，真所谓“倾国倾城”，由此产生了 Helen of Troy 这个成语。 特洛伊战争的真实性，已为 19 世纪德国考古学家谢里曼在迈锡尼发掘和考证古代特洛伊古城废墟所证实。至于特洛伊城被毁的真正原因，虽然众说纷纭，但肯定决不是为了一个美女而爆发这场战争的，与其说是为了争夺海轮而打了起来，毋宁说是为了争夺该地区的商业霸权和抢劫财宝而引起战争的。所谓“特 ，实质上是财富和商业霸权的化身。中国历史上也有过“妲己亡商”“西施沼吴”等传说，以洛伊的海伦” ， ，吴三桂“冲冠一怒为红颜”等说法。汉语中有个“倾国倾城”的及唐明皇因宠杨贵妃而招致“安史之乱” ： 。成语（语出《汉书外戚传》‘一顾倾人城，再顾倾人国’）这里的“倾”字一语双光，既可指美艳非凡，令人倾倒；也可纸倾覆邦国。其含义与 Helen of troy 十分近似。 在 现 代 英 语 中 ， Helen of Troy 这 个 成 语 ， 除 了 表 示a beautiful girl or womana beauty who ruins her country 等 意 义 外 ， 还 可 以 用 来 表 示a terrible disaster brought by sb or sth you like best 的意思。eg:It is unfair that historians always attribute the fall of kingdoms to Helen of Troy. She didnt think of the beautiful umbrella bought the day before should become a Helenof Troy in her family.Because of this she and her husband quarreled for a long time.4.The Trojan Horse 木马计；暗藏的危险；奸细 The Trojan Horse 直译quot特洛伊木马quot，是个国际性成语，在世界各主要语言中都有。来自拉丁语equns Trojanus.这个成语甚至还进入到汉语词汇中，毛泽东同志在《矛盾论》中，谈到《水浒传》中宋江三打祝家庄时，就用了“木马计”这个典故。 。希腊人和特洛伊人交战 10 年之久，胜负未决。最后，希腊著名的英 这个成语出自荷马史诗《奥德赛》雄奥德修斯Osseus想出了一个木马计，用木头做了一匹巨马，放在特洛伊城外。全体希腊将士伪装撤退，乘船隐藏在附近的海湾里，而奥德修斯率领 20 名勇士事先藏进妈肚。特洛伊人误认为希腊人已经败退，大开城门，看到城外的巨大木马，以为这是希腊人敬神的礼物，就把它当作战利品拖进城来，大摆宴席，欢庆胜利。到了半夜，特洛伊人好梦正在酣，毫无戒备的时候，藏在木马里的希腊英雄们都爬了出来，打开城门，发出信号，与附近海湾里返回的希腊大军里应外合，一举摧毁了特洛伊城。 因 此 ， The Trojan Horse 经 过 不 断 引 用 而 成 为 一 个 广 泛 流 传 的 成 语 ， 常 用 来 比 喻the hidden dangerthe covert wreckers（内奸）to engage in underhand activities 等的意义。eg:The superpowers are always sending the Trojan horses to many countries in the world. They are defeated only because of the Trojan horse in their country.5.Greek Gifts阴谋害人的礼物；黄鼠狼拜年，不安好心 Greek Gifts 直 译 是 “ 希 腊 人 的 礼 物 ” 出 自 荷 马 史 诗 《 奥 德 赛 》 以 及 古 罗 马 杰 出 诗 人 维 吉 尔 ，Publius Virgilius Maro公元前 70-前 19 年的史诗《伊尼特》Aeneis中关于特洛伊城陷落经过的叙述。 据《奥德赛》卷 8 记述：许多特洛伊人对如何处置希腊人留下的大木马展开了辩论， “他们有三种主张：有的主张用无情的铜矛刺透中空的木马；有的主张把它仍到岩石上；有的主张让它留在那里作为京观，来 。结果是后一说占优势，把那匹木马拖进城里来，终于遭到了亡国之灾。使天神喜悦” ，写的是特洛伊被希腊攻陷后，王子伊尼斯从混乱中携家属出走，经由西西里、 维吉尔的史诗《伊尼特》迦太基到达意大利，在各地漂泊流亡的情况。史诗第 2 卷便是伊尼斯关于特洛伊城陷落经过的叙述，其中情节除了模拟荷马史诗的描述外，还做了更详细的补充。当特洛伊人要把大木马拖进城的时候，祭司拉奥 “我怕希腊人，即使他们来送礼”这句话后来成了一孔Laocoon劝说不要接受希腊人留下的东西。他说：句拉丁谚语：“Timeo Danaoset dona ferenteso.quot（原文的达奈人 Danaos，即泛指希腊各部族人）译成英语就是：I fear the Greeks even when bringing gifts.其简化形式就是 Greek Gifts.可惜特洛伊人不听拉奥孔的警告，把木马作为战利品拖进城里。木马里藏着希腊的精锐部队，给特洛伊人带来了屠杀 和 灭 亡 。 由 此 ， Greek gift 成 为 一 个 成 语 ， 表 示a gift with some sinister purposes of the enemyone given with intent to harma gift sent inorder to murder sb 等 意 思 ， 按 其 形 象 意 义 ， 这 个 成 语 相 当 与 英 语 的 俚 谚 ：When the fox preachestake care of your geese；也与汉语“黄鼠狼给鸡拜年--不安好心”十分类似 eg:He is always buying you expensive clothesIm afraid they are Greek gifts for you. Comradesbe on guard against the Greek gifts6.A Penelopes Web 亦作 The Web of Penelope 故意拖延的策略；永远做不完的工作 A Penelopes Web 或 The Web of Penelope，直译为“珀涅罗珀的织物” ，典故出自荷马史诗《奥德赛》卷 2。 这部史诗的主人公奥德修斯是希腊半岛西南边伊大卡岛Ithaca的国王，他有个美丽而忠诚的旗子，名叫珀涅罗珀。奥德修斯随希腊联军远征特洛伊，十年苦战结束后，希腊将士纷纷凯旋归国。惟独奥德修斯命运坎坷，归途中又在海上漂泊了 10 年，历尽无数艰险，并盛传他已葬身鱼腹，或者客死异域。正当他在外流浪的最后三年间，有一百多个来自各地的王孙公子，聚集在他家里，向他的妻子求婚。坚贞不渝的珀涅罗珀为了摆脱求婚者的纠缠，想出个缓宾之策，她宣称等她为公公织完一匹做寿衣的布料后，就改嫁给他们中的一个。于是，她白天织这匹布，夜晚又在火炬光下把它拆掉。就这样织了又拆，拆了又织，没完没了，拖延时间，等待丈夫归来。后来，奥德修斯终于回转家园，夫妻儿子合力把那些在他家里宴饮作乐，胡作非为的求婚者一个个杀死，终于夫妻团圆了。 由于这个故事，英语中的 Penelope 一词成了 a chaste woman（贞妇）的同义词，并产生了with a penelope faith （ 坚 贞 不 渝 ） 这 个 短 语 。 而 A Penelopes Web 这 个 成 语 比 喻the tactics of delaying sth on purposelthe task that can never be finished 的意思eg:Mr Jones made a long speech at the meeting.Everyone else thought it a Penelopes web. My work is something like the Penelopes webnever donebut ever in hand.7.Swan Song 最后杰作；绝笔 ，源于希腊成语 Kykneion asma. Swan Song 字面译做“天鹅之歌” 天鹅，我国古代叫鹄，是一种形状似鹅而体形较大的稀有珍禽，栖息于海滨湖畔，能游善飞，全身白色。因此，英语成语 black swan用以比喻稀有罕见的人或物，类似汉语成语“凤毛麟角”之意。 在古希腊神话中，阿波罗Apollo是太阳神、光明之神，由于他多才多艺，又是诗歌与音乐之神，后世奉他为文艺的保护神。天鹅是阿波罗的神鸟，故常用来比喻文艺。传说天鹅平素不唱歌，而在它死前，必引颈长鸣，高歌一曲，其歌声哀婉动听，感人肺腑。这是它一生中唯一的，也是最后的一次唱歌。因此，西方各国就用这个典故来比喻某诗人，作家，作曲家临终前的一部杰作，或者是某个演员，歌唱家的最后一次表演。即 a last or farewell appearancethe last work before death 之意；偶尔也可指某中最后残余的东西。 Swan Song 是个古老的成语，源远流长。早在公元前 6 世纪的古希腊寓言作家伊索Aisopos的寓言故事中，就有“天鹅临死才唱歌”的说法。古罗马政治家、作家西塞罗Cicero公元前 106-前 43在其《德斯肯伦别墅哲学谈》等论文中，就使用了“天鹅之歌”来比喻临死哀歌。在英国，乔叟，莎士比亚等伟大诗人、剧作家，都使用过这个成语典故。如：莎翁的著名悲剧《奥噻罗》othello中塑造的爱米莉霞的形象，她在生死关头勇敢得站出来揭穿其丈夫的罪行。她临死时把自己比做天鹅，一生只唱最后一次歌。 eg:All the tickets have been sold for the singers performance in London this week--thepublic clearly believes that this will be her swan song The Tempest was W.Shakespeares swan song in 16128.Win/Gain Laurels 获得荣誉赢得声望 Look to Ones Laurels 爱惜名声保持记录 Rest on Ones Laurels 坐享清福光吃老本Laurel月桂树是一种可供观赏的常绿乔木树叶互生披针形或者长椭圆形光滑发亮花带黄色伞形花序.laurels 指用月桂树叶编成的quot桂冠quot.古代希腊人和罗马人用月桂树的树叶编成冠冕献给杰出的诗人或体育竞技的优胜者作为奖赏以表尊崇.这种风尚渐渐传遍整个欧洲于是 laurels 代表 victorysuccess 和distincion. 欧洲人这种习俗源远流长可上朔到古希腊神话.相传河神珀纳斯Peneus的女儿达佛涅Daphne长的风姿卓约艳丽非凡.太阳神阿波罗为她的美所倾倒热烈追求她但达佛涅自有所爱总是逃避权利很大的太阳神的追求.一天他俩在河边相遇达佛涅一见阿波罗拔腿就跑阿波罗在后边穷追不舍达佛涅跑得疲乏不堪情急之下只好请她父亲把她变成一株月桂树.阿波罗非常感伤无限深情地表示:quot愿你的枝叶四季长青装饰我的头装饰我的琴让你成为最高荣誉的象征quot.他小心得将这株月桂树移植到自己神庙旁边朝夕相处并取其枝叶遍成花冠戴在头上以表示对达佛涅的倾慕和怀念. 因此古希腊人把月桂树看做是阿波罗的神木称为quot阿波罗的月桂树quotThe Laurel of Apollo.起先他们用月桂枝叶编成冠冕授予在祭祀太阳神的节目赛跑中的优胜者.后来在奥林匹亚Olympia举行的体育竞技中他们用桂冠赠给竞技的优胜者.从此世代相传后世欧洲人以quot桂冠quot作为光荣的称号. 由于阿波罗是主管光明.青春.音乐和诗歌之神欧洲人又把源自quot阿波罗的月桂树quot的桂冠献给最有才华的诗人，称quot桂冠诗人quot.第一位著名的quot桂冠诗人quot就是欧洲文艺复兴时期人文主义的先驱者.意大利诗人彼特拉克Francesco Petrarch1304-1374.他的代表作lt抒情诗集gt全部为 14 行诗体系诗人献给他心中的女神劳拉的情诗彼特拉克喜欢了劳拉一辈子但是劳拉从来都不知道抒发他对恋人的爱情，描写大自然的景色，渴望祖国的统一.这部被称为西方quot诗三百的诗集虽不能与我国古代lt诗经gt相提并论但不失为世界文学的瑰宝.中古时代英国的大学也曾授予过quot桂冠诗人quot的称好，但是这只是一种荣誉称号而非目前含义的类似职务学衔的专用名称. 作为专名的quot桂冠诗人quotThe Poet Laureate也称 The Laureate系英国王室赐予御用诗人的专用称号从 17 世纪英皇詹姆士一世James I1566-1625开始延续到现在已历三个世纪了.凡获得quot桂冠诗人quot称号者可领取宫廷津贴每遇到王室喜庆或官方盛典时都要写作应景诗以点缀和宣扬喜庆事件歌功颂德粉饰升平.17 世纪在英国被封为第一位quot桂冠诗人quot的是约翰德莱顿John Dryden1631-1700他一生为贵族写作美化君主制度不过他创造的quot英语偶句诗体quot成为英国诗歌的主要形式之一.从 1670 到1972 这三百年间英国王室相继封了 17 位quot桂冠诗人quot年限最长的是 19 实际的浪漫诗人阿弗里德丁尼生Alfred Tennyson1809-1892他从 1850 年获得这个称号一直到逝世长达 42 年，算是quot终身桂冠诗人quot了.英国最近的quot桂冠诗人quot是约翰本杰明John Benjamin.其实所谓quot桂冠诗人quot大部分是徒具虚名的在英国文学史上享有盛名者极少就象中国封建时代的quot钦点状元quot从公元 960 到 1904清关绪 30 年最后一届科举止近 1000 年历代状元 341 名在中国文学史上著名的寥寥无几.eg:Shakespeare won laurels in the dramatic world. The student gained laurels on the football fieldas well as in his studies. Tom won the broad jumpbut he had to look to his laurels Getting an A in chemistryalmosst cause Mike to rest on his laurels9.Under the Rose 秘密地私下得暗中 Under the rose 直译quot在玫瑰花底下quot而实际上却表示 in secret privately confidentially 的意义语言外壳与内涵，似乎风马牛不相及.它源自古罗马的神话故事和欧洲的风尚. 罗马神话中的小爱神丘比特Cupid也称希腊神话里的厄洛斯Eros在文艺作品中以背上长着双翼的小男孩的形象出现常携带弓箭在天空中遨游谁中了他的金箭就会产生爱情.丘比特是战神玛斯Mars和爱与美之神维纳斯venus所生的儿子.维纳斯，也就是希腊神话里的阿芙罗狄蒂Aphrodite传说她是从大海的泡沫里生出来，以美丽著称从宙斯到奥林匹帕斯的诸神都为起美貌姿容所倾倒.有关她的恋爱传说很多，欧洲很多文艺作品常用维纳斯做题材.小爱神丘比特为了维护其母的声誉给沉默之神哈伯克拉底Harpocrates送了一束玫瑰花请他守口如瓶不要把维纳斯的风流韵事传播出去.哈伯克拉底受了玫瑰花就缄默不语了成为名副其实的quot沉默之神quot 古罗马人对维纳斯非常尊崇不仅奉为掌管人类的爱情.婚姻.生育的爱与美的神而且尊为丰收女神.园艺女神.罗马的统治者恺撒大帝甚至追搠维纳斯是罗马人的祖先.由于上述神话传说古罗马人把玫瑰花当作沉没或严守秘密的象征并在日常生活中相尚成风.人们去串门做客当看到主人家的桌子上方画有玫瑰客人就了解在这桌上所谈的一切行为均不应外传.于是在语言中产生了 Sub rosa 在玫瑰花底下这个拉丁成语. 据lt牛津英语词典gt解释英语 under the rose 系源自德语 unter der Rosen. 古代德国的宴会厅.会议室以及旅店的餐室在天花板上常画有或雕刻着玫瑰花用来提醒在场者要守口如瓶严守秘密不要把玫瑰花底下的言行透露出去.这个流行于 15 至 17 世纪的德语成语反映了这种习俗. 罗马帝国全盛时其势力几乎席卷了整个欧洲罗马某些文化风尚也随着他的军事力量渗透到欧洲各国.因此，以玫瑰花象征沉默的习俗并不限于德国.. under the rose 是 个 状 语 性 成 语 ， 在 句 中 修 饰 动 词 其 含 义 因 所 修 饰 的 动 词 的 不 同 而 略 有 不 同 .如:born under the rosequot私生的quotquot非婚生的quotdo under the rosequot暗中进行quot eg:The senator told me under the rose that there is to be a chance in the cabinet. The matter was finally settled under the rose. Do what you like undeer the rosebut dont give a sign of what youre about...10.The Augean Stables肮脏的地方藏垢纳秽之所积弊 The Augean Stables直译quot奥吉亚斯的牛圈quot源自古希腊神话中关于赫拉克勒斯的英雄传说. 奥吉亚斯（Augeas）是古希腊西部厄利斯Elis的国王。他有一个极大的牛圈，里面养了 2000 头年（一说 3000 匹马）30 年来未清扫过， ， 粪秽堆积如山， the 因此， Augean stablevery dirty place. 十分肮脏。 古希腊神话中的英雄赫拉克.
❹ 谁能提供十篇以上英语成语小故事
天衣无缝
one summer night, when the moon was very bright he suddenly saw a girl descending（下降） slowly from the sky. he observed the girl closely, and found that the dress she was wearing was seamless（无缝的） . he was puzzled, and asked why. the girl answered,"heavenly clothes are not sewn with needle and thread."
传说古代太原人郭翰在夏夜里乘凉，见一个仙女从天上下来，她身穿白衣，美丽绝伦。她告诉他她名叫织女。郭翰仔细欣赏织女的衣裳浑然一体，竟看不出一丝线缝，好奇问织女。织女答道：“天衣本非针线为也。”
this idiom is used metaphorically to indicate the flawless handling of things. it can also be used to indicate a perfectly written poem or other literary article.
神话传说，仙女的衣服没有衣缝。比喻事物周密完善，找不出什么毛病。
对牛弹琴
Gong Mingyi was a famous musician in ancient times, who played the lute very well.
公明仪是古代一位很有名的音乐家，弹得一手好琴。
One day, while playing the lute indoors, Gong Mingyi saw a cow eating grass leisurely outside the window. He had a sudden whim to play some melodies for the cow. He first played the "Exercise of Qing Jiao", but the cow still kept on eating grass with head lowered. He seemed to realize that the melody was too highbrow for the cow to understand.
有一天，他在室内弹琴，看见一头牛在窗外悠闲地吃着草。他忽然想弹几曲给牛听听。他先弹了一曲“清角之操”。可是，牛还是跟刚才一样，只顾低着头吃草。他似乎意识到，这支曲子太高雅了，牛没有听懂。
So he played several other melodies, imitating the buzzing sounds of swarms of flying mosquitoes, and the bleats of a calf looking for its companions. At this, to his surprise, the cow stopped eating grass, but raised its head, pricked up its ears, wagged its tail and, pacing up and down in small steps, began to listen attentively.
于是，他弹了另外几支曲子，模拟蚊子成群结队飞来飞去的嗡嗡声;模拟小牛犊寻找伙伴的眸眸叫唤声。这样一来，这头牛竟然不吃草了，抬起头，竖着耳朵，甩着尾巴，迈着小步，留心地倾听起来。
❺ 谁有简单的英文成语故事
成语故事，中英文对照
惊弓之鸟
Birds Startled by the Mere Twang of a Bowstring
战国时期（公元前403―221年中国中原地区各诸侯国连年争战的时代）魏国有个名叫更羸的人。一天，他对国王说：“我只要拉开弓，空射一下，就能把天上的鸟射下来。”国王不相信。更羸便对准天上飞来的一只雁射去，果真那只雁听到拉弦的声音就掉了下来。国王感到很奇怪。更羸说，“那是一只受过伤的雁。它一听到我拉开弓弦的声响，就惊慌得支持不住，自然要掉下来了。”
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.'
“惊弓之鸟”这个成语比喻受过惊恐之后，有一点动静就特别害怕。
This idiom means that if one has been frightened in the past one's will may become paralysed in a similar situation.
毛遂自荐
Mao Sui Recommending Himself
战国时代，秦国军队攻打赵国的都城。赵国的平原君打算亲自到楚国去请救兵，想挑选一个精明能干的人一同前去。有一个名叫毛遂的人，自告奋勇愿意同去。平原君到楚国后，与楚王谈了半天，没有一点结果。毛遂怒气冲冲地拿着宝剑，逼近楚王，终于迫使楚王答应出兵，与赵国联合共同抵抗秦国。
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.
“毛遂自荐”这个成语用来比喻自己推荐自己，不必别人介绍。
This idiom means to recommend oneself.
世外桃源
A Haven of Peace and Happiness
东晋的文学家陶渊明写了一片著名的文章叫《桃花源记》。叙述一个渔人出外捕鱼的时候，偶然来到了桃花源这个地方。从这里通过一个山洞，发现了一个村子，这里的居民是秦朝时避难人的后代。这是一个与世隔绝、没有剥削和压迫、人人安居乐业的美好社会。渔人告别村民回家以后，再也找不到这个地方了。
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.
后来，由这个故事产生了“世外桃源”这个成语，用来比喻与世隔绝的、理想的美好世界。
This idiom is derived from the above story, and is used to mean an isolated, ideal world.
南辕北辙
Going South by Driving the Chariot North
从前有个人要到南方去，他坐的车子却向北方行驶。过路人说：“你去南方，车子怎么向北行驶呢？”他回答说：“我的马很能跑路，我的车夫驾车的技术也很高明，加上我又带了充足的路费。”这个人没有考虑到，方向弄反了，他的条件越好，离他要去的地方就越远。
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.
后来人们就把这个故事概括为“南辕北辙”，比喻一个人的行为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.
画龙点睛
Putting the Finishing Touch to the Picture of a Dragon
南北朝(公元420--589)时期，有个画家叫张僧繇。有一次，他到一个寺庙去游玩，在墙壁上面画了四条龙，可是都没有画出眼睛。看画的人觉得很奇怪，问他为什么不画出眼睛。他说：“眼睛是龙的关键，画上眼睛，龙就会飞走了。”大家不相信他说的话。张僧繇拿起笔来，刚给两条龙点上眼睛，立刻电闪雷鸣，两条龙飞向天空，墙上只剩下两条没有画眼睛的龙。
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.
“画龙点睛”这个成语用来比喻讲话或写文章时，在关键地方加一两句重要的话，使内容更加生动有力。
This idiom is used to describe how, when writing or speaking, one or two key sentences will enhance the contents.
画蛇添足
Drawing a snake and Adding Feet
战国时代有个楚国人祭他的祖先。仪式结束后，他拿出一壶酒赏给手下的几个人。大家商量说：“我们都来画蛇，谁先画好谁就喝这壶酒。”其中有一个人先画好了。但他看到同伴还没有画完，就又给蛇添上了脚。这时，另一个人也画好了，夺过酒壶吧酒喝了，并且说：“蛇本来是没有脚的，你怎么能给它添上脚呢？”
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? '
“画蛇添足”这个成语比喻做了多余而不恰当的事，反而把事情弄糟了。
This idiom refers to ruining a venture by doing unnecessary and surplus things.
班门弄斧
Showing Off One's Proficiency with the Axe Before Lu Ban the Master Carpenter
古代有一个建筑和雕刻技术非常高超的人，名叫鲁班，木匠行里尊称他为祖师。传说他曾用木头制作了一只五彩斑斓的凤凰，能够在空中飞翔三天不掉下来。在鲁班门前摆弄斧子，当然显得有些自不量力了。
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.
“班门弄斧”这个成语，用来比喻在行家面前显示本领。
This idiom excoriates those who show off their slight accomplishments in front of experts.
可爱多 2005-6-13 08:38
怒发冲冠
So Angry That One' s Hair Lifts Up One' s Hat
战国时代，赵国的大臣蔺相如出使到秦国。在他向秦王索回玉璧的时候，秦王蛮不讲理，蔺相如气愤得连头发都竖了起来，向上冲着帽子。
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.
后来人们用“怒发冲冠”这个成语形容人愤怒到了极点。
This idiom came to be used to mean being extremely angry.
画饼充饥
Allaying Hunger with Pictures of Cakes
三国时代魏国的皇帝曹睿，准备选拔一个有才能的人到朝廷来做官。曹睿对他的大臣说：“选择人才，不能光找有虚名的人。虚名好像是在地上画的一块饼，只能看，不能解决肚子饥饿的问题啊！”
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.'
后来人们就用“画饼充饥”这个成语比喻用空想安慰自己，不能解决实际问题。
Later, this idiom came to be used to mean comforting oneself with unrealistic thoughts, without solving practical problems.
一鸣惊人
Amazing the World with a Single Feat
战国时代，齐威王即位后做了三年国君，只顾享乐，不理政事。有个善于说笑话的人叫淳于髡，一天对齐威王说：“城里有一只大鸟，三年不飞也不叫，你知道这是什么道理？”齐威王说：“这鸟不飞则罢，一飞就冲天；不鸣则罢，一鸣就惊人。”在淳于髡的激发下，齐威王开始治理国家，取得很大成绩，齐国的声威一直保持了几十年。
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.
“一鸣惊人”用来表示平时默默无闻，一旦行动起来，却做出惊人的成绩。
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
春秋时代，宋国有个农夫，一天在耕田的时候，忽然跑来一只兔子，恰巧碰在树桩上，脖子折断死了。农夫把兔子拾回家去，美美地吃了一顿兔肉。晚上他想：“我何必辛辛苦苦地种地呢？每天在树下能捡到一只兔子就够我吃的了。”于是，他从此不再耕作，每天坐在树下等待兔子的到来。
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”这个成语，讥笑那些不想经过努力，存在侥幸心理，希望得到意外收获的人。
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
曾子杀彘
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, 他的儿子哭着要跟去. 他的母亲说: “你回家呆着,待会儿我回来杀猪给你吃.” 她刚从集市上回来, 曾子就要捉猪去杀. 妻子劝止他说: “只不过是跟孩子开玩笑罢了.” 曾子说: “不能跟孩子开玩笑啊! 小孩子没有思考和判断能力, 要想父母亲学习, 听从父母的教导. 现在你欺骗他,这是教孩子骗人啊! 母亲欺骗儿子, 儿子就不再相信自己的母亲了, 这不是实现教育的方法.” 于是曾子就杀猪煮肉给孩子吃.
狐假虎威
Basking in Reflected Glory
老虎在山林里捉到了一只狐狸，要吃掉它。狐狸连忙说：“你不能吃我，我是天帝派来统治百兽的。你要吃了我，就违抗了天帝的命令。你不信，就跟我到山林里去一趟，看百兽见了我是不是都很害怕。”老虎相信了狐狸的话，就跟在狐狸的后面走进山林。百兽见了果然都纷纷逃命。老虎以为百兽真的害怕狐狸而不知道是害怕自己，于是就把狐狸给放了。
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”这个成语用来比喻倚仗别人的势力去欺压人或吓唬人。
This idiom means relying on another's power to bully or frighten others.
破镜重圆
A Broken Mirror Made Whole Agian
南朝陈国(公元557-589)将要灭亡的时候，驸马徐德言把一面铜镜破开，跟妻子各留下一半。双方约定：如果将来夫妻失散了，就把它当作信物。后来，夫妻二人真的失散了，凭借着各人留下的半面镜子，他们最终又得到团圆。
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.
“破镜重圆”这个成语比喻夫妻失散或分离后重新团聚。
This idiom is used to refer to the reunion of a couple after they lose touch or break up.
一鼓作气
Rousing the Spirits with the First Drum Roll
春秋时代，齐国派兵攻打鲁国。鲁国的国王鲁庄公带着谋士曹刿指挥作战。齐军第一次击鼓以后，鲁军准备发起进攻。曹刿说：“不行。”齐军三次击鼓以后，曹刿才说：“现在可以进攻了。”结果齐军大败。战斗结束后，鲁庄公问曹刿胜利的原因。曹刿说：“打仗要考勇气。第一次击鼓，士气十分旺盛；第二次击鼓，士气有些衰落；第三次击鼓，士气就消耗尽了。敌人士气耗尽，我们发起进攻，所以取得了胜利。”
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.'
后来，“一鼓作气”形容鼓起劲头，一下子把事情干完。
This idiom later meant to get something done with one sustained effort.
❻ 英文小成语故事
A woman had something wrong with her heart. So she went to see a doctor. He was a new doctor and didn't know her, so he first asked some questions. And one of them was, "How old are you?"
"Well," the woman said, "I don't know, doctor. But I will try to think. Oh, I remember now. When I got married, I was eighteen and my husband was thirty. Now my husband is sixty, which is twice thirty. I am sure. So I am twice eighteen. That is, thirty-six, isn't it?"
一位女士有心脏病，去看医生。那是个新来的医生，不认识她，所以先问了几个问题，其中一个是：你多大了？
“哦，”这女人说，“我不记得了，医生，但是我可以努力去想。哦，我记起来了，我结婚的时候，是18岁，我丈夫30岁，现在我丈夫60岁，是30的两倍，那我是18的两倍，也就是36岁，对不对？”
❼ 简单英语成语小故事
Mao Sui Recommending Himself
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.
译文:
毛遂自荐
战国时代，秦国军队攻打赵国的都城。赵国的平原君打算亲自到楚国去请救兵，想挑选一个精明能干的人一同前去。有一个名叫毛遂的人，自告奋勇愿意同去。平原君到楚国后，与楚王谈了半天，没有一点结果。毛遂怒气冲冲地拿着宝剑，逼近楚王，终于迫使楚王答应出兵，与赵国联合共同抵抗秦国。
❽ 英语的短小成语故事 要有好词 和英文50词的感悟 共十篇
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竹子表面是一根，里面节节都不通。
竹子是一节一节长起来的，功夫是一天一天练出来的。
一根竹子撑不起一幢竹楼，千根竹子能够搭起通天云梯；一滴水珠掀不起一个浪头，千万滴水珠能够汇成滔天洪流。（傣族）
竹子的英文名：bamboofpe
我的回答你还满意吗~~
❾ 英语成语故事（短剧）
a boy and his tree
a long ago,there was a huge apple tree. a little boy love to come and play around it everyday.he climbed to the tree top,ate the apples,took a nap under the shadow…he loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him.time went by…the little boy had grown up and he no longer played around the tree everyday.
one day,the boy came back to the tree and he looked.
"come and play with me ,"the tree asked the boy .
"i am no longer a kid, i don't play around trees anymore."the boy replied,
"i want toys.i need money to buy them."
"sorry,but i don't have money…but you can pick all my apples and sell them.
so,you will have money."the boy was so excited .he grabbed all the apples
on the tree and left happily.the boy never came back after he picked the
apples.the tree was sad.
one day,the boy returned and the tree was so excited.
"come and play with me ,"the tree said.
"i don't have time to play.i have to work for my family.we need a house for
shelter.can you help me?"
"sorry,but i don't have a house .but you can chop off my branches to build
your house."so the boy cut all the branches of the tree and left happily.
the tree was glad to see him happy but the boy never came back since then.
the tree was again lonely and sad.
one hot summer day,the boy returned and the tree was delighted.
"come and play with me !"the tree said.
"i am sad and getting old.iwant to go sailing to relax myself.can you give
a boat?"
"use my truck to build your boat.you can sail faraway and be happy."
so the boy cut the tree truck to make a boat .he went sailing and never
showed up for a long time.
finally, the boy returned after he left for so many years.
"sorry,my boy.but i don't have anything for you anymore.no more apples for
for you…“the tree said.
"i don't have teeth to bite."the boy replied.
"no more truck foe you to climb on."
"i am too old for that now."the boy said.
"i really can give you anything…the only thing left is my dying roots."the
tree said with tears.
"i don't need much now,just a place to rest.i am tired after all these year"
the boy replied.
"good!old tree roots is the best place to lean on and rest. come,come sit
down with me and rest."the boy sat down and the tree was glad and smiled
with tears……
this is a story of everyone. the tree is our parent. when we were young, we loved to play with mom and dad……
when we grown up, we left them…only came to them when we need something or when we are in trouble.
no matter what,parents will alway be there and give everything they could to make you happy.
you may think the boy is cruel to the tree but that how all of us are treating our parent.tme is too slow for those who wait,too swift for those who fear,too long for those who grieve,too short for those who rejoice,but for those who love,time is eternity
从前，有一棵巨大的苹果树。
一个小男孩每天都喜欢在树下玩耍。他爬树，吃苹果，在树荫下小睡……他爱和树玩，树也爱和他玩。
时间过的很快，小男孩长大了，他不再每天都来树下玩耍了。
“来和我玩吧。”树说。
“我不再是孩子了，我再也不会在树下玩了。”男孩回答道，“我想要玩具，我需要钱去买玩具。”
“对不起，我没有钱……但是，你可以把我的苹果摘下来，拿去卖钱，这样你就有钱了。”
男孩兴奋的把所有的苹果都摘下来，高兴的离开了。男孩摘了苹果后很久都没有回来。树很伤心。
一天，男孩回来了，树很激动。
“来和我玩吧。”树说。
“我没时间玩，我得工作，养家糊口。我们需要一栋房子，你能帮助我吗?”
“对不起，我没有房子，但是你可以砍下我的树枝，拿去盖你的房子。”男孩把所有的树枝都砍下来，高兴的离开了。
看到男孩那么高兴，树非常欣慰。但是，男孩从此很久都没回来。树再一次孤独，伤心起来。
一个炎热的夏日，男孩终于回来了，树很欣慰。
“来和我玩吧!”树说。
“我过的不快乐，我也一天天变老了，我想去航海放松一下。你能给我一条船吗?”
“用我的树干造你的船吧，你就能快乐地航行到遥远的地方了。”男孩把树干砍下来，做成了一条船。
他去航海了，很长时间都没露面。
最后，过了很多年，男孩终于回来了。
“对不起，孩子，我再也没有什么东西可以给你了……”树说。
“我已经没有牙咬苹果了。”男孩回答道。
“我也没有树干让你爬了。”树说。
“我已经老得爬不动了。”男孩说。
“我真的不能再给你任何东西了，除了我正在死去的树根。”树含着泪说。
“我现在不需要什么了，只想找个地方休息。过了这么些年，我累了。”男孩回答道。
“太好了!老树根正是休息是最好的倚靠，来吧，来坐在我身边，休息一下吧。”
男孩坐下了，树很高兴，含着泪微笑着……
❿ 我急需中国成语英文小故事（中英对照）谢谢啦
成语故事，中英文对照
惊弓之鸟
Birds Startled by the Mere Twang of a Bowstring
战国时期（公元前403―221年中国中原地区各诸侯国连年争战的时代）魏国有个名叫更羸的人。一天，他对国王说：“我只要拉开弓，空射一下，就能把天上的鸟射下来。”国王不相信。更羸便对准天上飞来的一只雁射去，果真那只雁听到拉弦的声音就掉了下来。国王感到很奇怪。更羸说，“那是一只受过伤的雁。它一听到我拉开弓弦的声响，就惊慌得支持不住，自然要掉下来了。”
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.'
“惊弓之鸟”这个成语比喻受过惊恐之后，有一点动静就特别害怕。
This idiom means that if one has been frightened in the past one's will may become paralysed in a similar situation.
毛遂自荐
Mao Sui Recommending Himself
战国时代，秦国军队攻打赵国的都城。赵国的平原君打算亲自到楚国去请救兵，想挑选一个精明能干的人一同前去。有一个名叫毛遂的人，自告奋勇愿意同去。平原君到楚国后，与楚王谈了半天，没有一点结果。毛遂怒气冲冲地拿着宝剑，逼近楚王，终于迫使楚王答应出兵，与赵国联合共同抵抗秦国。
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.
“毛遂自荐”这个成语用来比喻自己推荐自己，不必别人介绍。
This idiom means to recommend oneself.
世外桃源
A Haven of Peace and Happiness
东晋的文学家陶渊明写了一片著名的文章叫《桃花源记》。叙述一个渔人出外捕鱼的时候，偶然来到了桃花源这个地方。从这里通过一个山洞，发现了一个村子，这里的居民是秦朝时避难人的后代。这是一个与世隔绝、没有剥削和压迫、人人安居乐业的美好社会。渔人告别村民回家以后，再也找不到这个地方了。
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.
后来，由这个故事产生了“世外桃源”这个成语，用来比喻与世隔绝的、理想的美好世界。
This idiom is derived from the above story, and is used to mean an isolated, ideal world.
南辕北辙
Going South by Driving the Chariot North
从前有个人要到南方去，他坐的车子却向北方行驶。过路人说：“你去南方，车子怎么向北行驶呢？”他回答说：“我的马很能跑路，我的车夫驾车的技术也很高明，加上我又带了充足的路费。”这个人没有考虑到，方向弄反了，他的条件越好，离他要去的地方就越远。
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.
后来人们就把这个故事概括为“南辕北辙”，比喻一个人的行为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.
画龙点睛
Putting the Finishing Touch to the Picture of a Dragon
南北朝(公元420--589)时期，有个画家叫张僧繇。有一次，他到一个寺庙去游玩，在墙壁上面画了四条龙，可是都没有画出眼睛。看画的人觉得很奇怪，问他为什么不画出眼睛。他说：“眼睛是龙的关键，画上眼睛，龙就会飞走了。”大家不相信他说的话。张僧繇拿起笔来，刚给两条龙点上眼睛，立刻电闪雷鸣，两条龙飞向天空，墙上只剩下两条没有画眼睛的龙。
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.
“画龙点睛”这个成语用来比喻讲话或写文章时，在关键地方加一两句重要的话，使内容更加生动有力。
This idiom is used to describe how, when writing or speaking, one or two key sentences will enhance the contents.
画蛇添足
Drawing a snake and Adding Feet
战国时代有个楚国人祭他的祖先。仪式结束后，他拿出一壶酒赏给手下的几个人。大家商量说：“我们都来画蛇，谁先画好谁就喝这壶酒。”其中有一个人先画好了。但他看到同伴还没有画完，就又给蛇添上了脚。这时，另一个人也画好了，夺过酒壶吧酒喝了，并且说：“蛇本来是没有脚的，你怎么能给它添上脚呢？”
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? '
“画蛇添足”这个成语比喻做了多余而不恰当的事，反而把事情弄糟了。
This idiom refers to ruining a venture by doing unnecessary and surplus things.
班门弄斧
Showing Off One's Proficiency with the Axe Before Lu Ban the Master Carpenter
古代有一个建筑和雕刻技术非常高超的人，名叫鲁班，木匠行里尊称他为祖师。传说他曾用木头制作了一只五彩斑斓的凤凰，能够在空中飞翔三天不掉下来。在鲁班门前摆弄斧子，当然显得有些自不量力了。
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.
“班门弄斧”这个成语，用来比喻在行家面前显示本领。
This idiom excoriates those who show off their slight accomplishments in front of experts.
可爱多 2005-6-13 08:38
怒发冲冠
So Angry That One' s Hair Lifts Up One' s Hat
战国时代，赵国的大臣蔺相如出使到秦国。在他向秦王索回玉璧的时候，秦王蛮不讲理，蔺相如气愤得连头发都竖了起来，向上冲着帽子。
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.
后来人们用“怒发冲冠”这个成语形容人愤怒到了极点。
This idiom came to be used to mean being extremely angry.
画饼充饥
Allaying Hunger with Pictures of Cakes
三国时代魏国的皇帝曹睿，准备选拔一个有才能的人到朝廷来做官。曹睿对他的大臣说：“选择人才，不能光找有虚名的人。虚名好像是在地上画的一块饼，只能看，不能解决肚子饥饿的问题啊！”
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.'
后来人们就用“画饼充饥”这个成语比喻用空想安慰自己，不能解决实际问题。
Later, this idiom came to be used to mean comforting oneself with unrealistic thoughts, without solving practical problems.
一鸣惊人
Amazing the World with a Single Feat
战国时代，齐威王即位后做了三年国君，只顾享乐，不理政事。有个善于说笑话的人叫淳于髡，一天对齐威王说：“城里有一只大鸟，三年不飞也不叫，你知道这是什么道理？”齐威王说：“这鸟不飞则罢，一飞就冲天；不鸣则罢，一鸣就惊人。”在淳于髡的激发下，齐威王开始治理国家，取得很大成绩，齐国的声威一直保持了几十年。
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.
“一鸣惊人”用来表示平时默默无闻，一旦行动起来，却做出惊人的成绩。
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
春秋时代，宋国有个农夫，一天在耕田的时候，忽然跑来一只兔子，恰巧碰在树桩上，脖子折断死了。农夫把兔子拾回家去，美美地吃了一顿兔肉。晚上他想：“我何必辛辛苦苦地种地呢？每天在树下能捡到一只兔子就够我吃的了。”于是，他从此不再耕作，每天坐在树下等待兔子的到来。
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”这个成语，讥笑那些不想经过努力，存在侥幸心理，希望得到意外收获的人。
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
曾子杀彘
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, 他的儿子哭着要跟去. 他的母亲说: “你回家呆着,待会儿我回来杀猪给你吃.” 她刚从集市上回来, 曾子就要捉猪去杀. 妻子劝止他说: “只不过是跟孩子开玩笑罢了.” 曾子说: “不能跟孩子开玩笑啊! 小孩子没有思考和判断能力, 要想父母亲学习, 听从父母的教导. 现在你欺骗他,这是教孩子骗人啊! 母亲欺骗儿子, 儿子就不再相信自己的母亲了, 这不是实现教育的方法.” 于是曾子就杀猪煮肉给孩子吃.
狐假虎威
Basking in Reflected Glory
老虎在山林里捉到了一只狐狸，要吃掉它。狐狸连忙说：“你不能吃我，我是天帝派来统治百兽的。你要吃了我，就违抗了天帝的命令。你不信，就跟我到山林里去一趟，看百兽见了我是不是都很害怕。”老虎相信了狐狸的话，就跟在狐狸的后面走进山林。百兽见了果然都纷纷逃命。老虎以为百兽真的害怕狐狸而不知道是害怕自己，于是就把狐狸给放了。
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”这个成语用来比喻倚仗别人的势力去欺压人或吓唬人。
This idiom means relying on another's power to bully or frighten others.
破镜重圆
A Broken Mirror Made Whole Agian
南朝陈国(公元557-589)将要灭亡的时候，驸马徐德言把一面铜镜破开，跟妻子各留下一半。双方约定：如果将来夫妻失散了，就把它当作信物。后来，夫妻二人真的失散了，凭借着各人留下的半面镜子，他们最终又得到团圆。
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.
“破镜重圆”这个成语比喻夫妻失散或分离后重新团聚。
This idiom is used to refer to the reunion of a couple after they lose touch or break up.
一鼓作气
Rousing the Spirits with the First Drum Roll
春秋时代，齐国派兵攻打鲁国。鲁国的国王鲁庄公带着谋士曹刿指挥作战。齐军第一次击鼓以后，鲁军准备发起进攻。曹刿说：“不行。”齐军三次击鼓以后，曹刿才说：“现在可以进攻了。”结果齐军大败。战斗结束后，鲁庄公问曹刿胜利的原因。曹刿说：“打仗要考勇气。第一次击鼓，士气十分旺盛；第二次击鼓，士气有些衰落；第三次击鼓，士气就消耗尽了。敌人士气耗尽，我们发起进攻，所以取得了胜利。”
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.'
后来，“一鼓作气”形容鼓起劲头，一下子把事情干完。
This idiom later meant to get something done with one sustained effort.