Proverbs |
Annotation
And Connotations |
- Cast
out a brick to invite jade.
(Chinese original: 抛砖引玉； Chinese Pinyin:  Pāo-zhuān-yǐn-yù.)
|
- This
is a Chinese way of showing modesty. When one tries to offer an opinion,
he claims that his is but a commonplace one and with it he hopes that
others may come up with better ideas.
|
- A
drop of sweat spent in a drill is a drop of blood saved
in a battle.
(Chinese original: 平时多流汗，战时少流血；Chinese Pinyin: Píngshí duō liú hàn, zhànshí shǎo liú xiě.)
|
More
practice will give one a better chance of success in real situation. |
- When
you are poor, you will have no visitors even if you live
in a crowded city; once you become rich, you'll be surprised
by visitors from alleged relatives even if you live in a
remote location.
(Chinese original: 贫居闹市无人问，富居深山有远亲；Chinese Pinyin: Pín jū nàoshì wú rén wèn, fù jū shēnshān yǒu yuǎnqīn.)
|
The
proverb criticizes snobbishness. |
- Smash
the pots and sink the boats.
(Chinese original: 破釜沉舟； Chinese Pinyin: Pò-fǔ-chén-zhōu.)
|
It is
said of a historical battle during the Qin dynasty. During an offensive
march, a general ordered his men to smash their cooking pots and sink
the boats with which they crossed the river, making it clear that retreating
was no longer an option. When someone claims he is going to do this
figuratively, he is determined to carry out his task till it is finished
no matter what. |
