Chengyu

Chengyu are four-word Chinese idioms, often based on ancient literature, frequently fascinating. Some examples:

• "Crouching tiger, hidden dragon" → a place or situation full of unnoticed masters, people with subtle talents
• "A frog in the bottom of a well" → a person with limited outlook
• "Grind an iron bar down to a fine needle" → persevere in a difficult task
• "Break the cauldrons and sink the boats" → commit oneself irrevocably

Yojijukugo are similar four-word idiomatic proverbs in Japanese. Some examples:

• "Ocean-thousand, mountain-thousand" → a sly old person who has had much experience
• "Sheep head, dog meat" → extravagant advertisement
• "Ten persons, ten colors" → to each their own
• "Gentle wind, full sails" → things going smoothly

(cf 2019-06-07 - Master Lockout, ...) - ^z - 2019-07-06