The Chinese Sayings Podcast

S9E10 | Finished behind the last place guy

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 12:10:00 -0400

Firstly, hats off to Emma and her 团队 at the CYZ for all their hard work, all season-long. We close out the season 9 with an amusing story from a source, as yet never featured on this long-running educational program, called the Guòtínglù 过庭录. The author was Song literary figure Fàn Gōngchēng 范公偁 who had the misfortune to be born during the exact time when the Northern Song ended and the Southern Song began. In this tale, our young hero Sūn Shān 孙山 heads off to the capital to take the imperial exam. Another villager tagged along who also registered to take the test. One passed the test and the other was Míng Luò Sūn Shān 名落孙山. It's a nice little story infused with some of the best of Chinese culture and a dollop of human decency. That's it for Season 9. I may post a few director's cuts of previous CSP episodes during the off-season. All these CSP episodes will soon be published in the Summer catalog of Earnshaw Books. There will be vocabulary lists, tone marks, and characters. Just sayin. Thanks, everyone and drink plenty of water this summer. Keep yourself hydrated!

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S9E09 | First Strike

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Season 9 is starting to wind down. For the ninth chengyu of the season, we take Sima Qian's "Record of the Grand Historian" and open to the chapter on Xiang Yu. This time we look at the story of Xiān Fā Zhì Rén 先发制人. In this well-known story from the fall of the Qin Dynasty, we see Xiang Yu and his uncle Xiang Liang seizing the day and the hour to attack Qin forces and bring the dynasty to an end. But before they do that, they first weigh their options by talking with the governor of a local commandery. After one short meeting with this guy, Xiang Liang decides not to wait to see what happens next. He realized 先发制人.

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S9E08 | Owned!

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

For our eighth CSP offering this season, we open up the Book of Han once again and hear the story behind Jiāo Bīng Bì Bài 骄兵必败. It doesn't always happen this way but the timeline of history is filled with examples of more powerful military forces being defeated on the field of battle by their weaker opponent. Arrogant soldiers must be defeated. Look what happened in Vietnam between 1954 and 1975. When you look into it, even today in our own time, Jiāo bīng bì bài is still happening. On a geopolitical level, this must be one of the hardest lessons to learn. More pugnacious world leaders should consult the Book of Han and ponder these words. Enjoy!

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S9E07 | You Can Get it if You Really Want (But you must try)

Sun, 19 May 2024 12:10:00 -0400

Here's another well-worn favorite from the long list of great chengyu's: 磨杵成针 Mó Chǔ Chéng Zhén. The story behind this Chinese Saying stars none other than (one of China's greatest poets) Li Bai. As a youngster, Li Bai chanced upon an old woman, surnamed Wu, who was intent on accomplishing a seemingly impossible (in Li Bai's eyes) task. Don't let any naysayers deter you. Don't fear the impossible. Listen to this quick story and maybe acquire a little bit of inspiration in what you're trying to accomplish. Thanks everyone for listening.

If you'd like to donate to the show, you can at: https://teacup.media/support

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S9E06 | The First Cut is the Deepest

Sun, 05 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

This one may be a bit of a departure from the average CSP episode. The Chinese Saying for this time is Jiǎn Bú Duàn, Lǐ Hái Luàn-剪不断理还乱. Many Chinese poetry lovers and aficionados may already be familiar with this line from the 10th-century poem 相见欢. Today's CSP offering is more of a history lesson than an introduction to a chengyu but it's worth it to hear it out to the end. The star of this episode is the final ruler of the Southern Tang Dynasty. Like his kindred spirit emperor Huizong of the Northern Song, Li Yu of Southern Tang wasn't much of a ruler. But what he lacked in leadership ability he made up for it with his great literary skills, especially where cí 词 poetry was concerned.

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S9E05 | Had enough yet?

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Here's a good one from the Three Kingdoms Era in which we feature the famous story of Meng Huo, Zhuge Liang, and Qī Qín Mèng Huò 七擒孟获. Some people just can't accept defeat but in the end, they bow to the inevitable. Cao Pi of Wei thought he'd have some fun and employed Meng Huo to harass his enemy. That didn't go as planned. But Zhuge Liang enjoyed a little fun in the process.

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S9E04 | Be like Kong Rong

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0400

This Chinese Saying, or at least the story, is rather well-known. The story of young Kong Rong and the bowl of pears. Kǒng Róng Ràng Lí 孔融让梨. This perennial children's favorite has a nice moral lesson to teach. When you see young children exhibiting generosity and kindness, many might recall these kids were just like Kong Rong back in the late 2nd Century.

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S9E03 | Please allow me to introduce myself

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Sima Qian strikes again. This time around we look at the well-known saying, Máo Suì Zì Jiàn 毛遂自荐. I tend to favor those 成语's from the Warring States Period. This one concerns the particularly volatile time in the Warring States during the reign of the aggressive and pugnacious Qin King Zhaoxiang. After a disastrous defeat at Changping in 260 BC, the State of Zhao had to seek urgent assistance from Chu. In this familiar story, we see how Mao Sui, at the time, no one of consequence, steps up to offer his help during a dark hour for Zhao. His value is doubted but Mao Sui proved them wrong.

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S9E02 | R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0400

This week's Chinese Saying is another good and respectable one that comes to us compliments of the Book of Song. It concerns the Northern Song official and literatus Yang Shi. His two main teachers were the famous Cheng Brothers, Cheng Hao 程颢 and Cheng Yi 程颐. Those two were giants in Neo-Confucian philosophy which flourished during the Song. This episode features Chéng Mén Lì Xuě 程门立雪. It's a story of respect and reverence for those teachers who had a profound effect on the direction of our lives. "Standing in the snow in front of the Cheng's gate." This is another in a very long line of stories that would feel right at home in the "Made Me Smile" subreddit. For anyone who has one or more teachers who made a positive difference in their life, this is a good 成语 to describe your feelings.

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S9E01 | The Truth Always Gets Out

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 12:50:00 -0400

For the Season 9 opener, we bring you a good one that takes place in the early years of the Southern Song Dynasty. Qin Hui, the reviled chancellor of Emperor Gaozong is back again, starring in another Chinese Saying, inspired by his historic perfidy. He conspired with his wife, Lady Wang, to have the great hero Yue Fei rubbed out. Their careful conspiracy, discussed in the utmost secrecy in a private spot in their residence, was somehow discovered. This is the story behind Dōng Chuāng Shì Fā 东窗事发.

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Bonus Episode, An old favorite of Laszlo's

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 13:54:52 -0400

I wouldn't technically call this a Bonus Episode. We're in between seasons right now. And while Laszlo and Emma are busy brainstorming the chengyu lineup for Season 9, here's a re-recording of one of Laszlo's favorite episodes from the seven-year history of the CSP. How can anyone forget Mr. Nanguo, 南郭先生, who posed as a musician for three years without knowing how to play his instrument? He was a Làn Yú Chōng Shù 滥竽充数. He got the gig because the band only needed one more musician. And it didn't matter who it was. Mr. Nanguo was indiscriminately chosen just to make up the required number. A great story and it comes from the Han Feizi. Season 9 should start, hopefully, by the time the Year of the Dragon rolls around on 2/10/2024. Thanks, everyone. I hope you enjoy this Chinese Saying as much as I do.

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Bonus CSP Episode featuring Emma in the narrator's seat

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 13:10:00 -0400

As promised and advertised, to cap off another winning season of the Chinese Sayings Podcast, we're proud to feature none other than our very own Emma, presenting a special bonus episode. This time we look at another good one: 鹬蚌相争, 渔翁得利. Yù bàng xiāng zhēng, Yú wēng dé lì. This one comes from the Strategies of the Warring States. It tells the story of the Clam, the Sandpiper, and the fisherman, amidst the backdrop of the early 3rd century BC. This chengyu, like many presented before in the CSP, has plenty of relevance in today's world. Thanks, Emma for all your help this season

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S8E10 | Don't Count Me Out Yet

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:00:00 -0400

For the second time in a row, we feature the Cao Family of Wei in a Chinese Sayings Podcast Episode. This one concerns a story of someone who made the grade late in life. There are a lot of people in history who all throughout their early years and even into their prime, didn't make much of their life. But come their 50's or 60's they achieve greatness. This time we look at Dà Qì Wǎn Chéng 大器晚成 and the story of Cui Yan and his no-good young relative Cui Lin. February 1, 2024, I'll be in London as part of the opening festivities for an exhibition at the London Science Museum. Details here: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/zimingzhong Thanks everyone for another great season of The Chinese Sayings Podcast. Special episode coming next time featuring Emma.

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S8E09 | Why Can't We Live Together

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 13:00:00 -0400

So much rancor in this world these days. Here's one that describes the feeling of mutual enmity that existed between two giants of their day, Cao Cao and Sun Quan. During the waning years of the Eastern Han Dynasty, three powerful forces jockeyed for position to see who might push the Liu's off the throne and take over to found a new dynasty. There was no reconciliation in the tea leaves. As far as Cao Cao of Wei and Sun Quan of Wu were concerned, that throne was only big enough for one of them. Here's a story from 208 AD that features a useful Chinese Saying born on the eve of the epic Battle of Red Cliffs.

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S8E08 | Let's Stick Together

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0400

We human beings have been called social animals by nature. Some of us love other kinds of people more than others do. But no matter how enamored one might be about another culture, nation, or people, we all tend to stick with our own kind. This 4th Century BC Chinese Saying comes from "The Strategies of the Warring States." and concerns the witty and capable minister to King Wei of Qi and his son King Xuan: Chunyu Kun. King Xuan needed to round up several talented souls to help him manage the Kingdom of Qi, where the stunning and beautiful Shandong Peninsula is located. Answering the king's call, Chunyu Kun gathered a whole bunch of worthy and talented men and schooled the king about how easy it was to find them. This is the story behind Wù Yǐ Lèi Jù 物以类聚. I also mentioned another chengyu that goes along with this episode: yīmíng jīngrén 一鸣惊人. You get that one too, at no extra cost, I might add. Only two more episodes to go for this season. Like last time in Season 7, be looking for un episodio extra especial featuring our hardworking and brilliant 领导 of the 成语研究中心 in Beijing: Emma.

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S8E07 | Help!

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0400

We're back for the seventh time this season. This time we're happy to feature once again the great Daoist philosopher who never disappoints. This story about the fish in a rut is a rather well-known one from the Outer Chapters of The Zhuangzi, or Second Book of the Dao as it's sometimes called. Zhuangzi himself stars in today's episode: Hé Zhé Zhī Fù 涸辙之鲋.

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S8E06 | Looks can be deceiving

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0400

For the second time this season, we refer to Zuo Qiuming's "Chronicles of Zuo" for another good and useful chengyu. This one takes place in the Spring and Autumn Period and concerns a haughty self-important minister from Jin State stopping for the night at an inn in Ningyi (河南宁邑). He left quite an impression on the innkeeper there but when this simple innkeeper looked more closely at this official, he saw he was Huá Ér Bù Shí 华而不实. Enjoy this ancient story and learn a new Chinese Saying too.

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S8E05 | Shock the Monkey

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Lovers of all things Song Dynasty will surely recall the story of Qin Hui. He has top billing in this tale concerning the story behind Shù Dǎo Húsūn Sàn 树倒猢狲散. This one has practical applications these days when we see political and corporate leaders fall from grace. When that happens, we often get to view the spectacle of hangers-on and sycophants scattering and heading for the hills, to search once more for someone to suck up to. This Chinese Saying comes in handy when this happens. We all need someone to lean on. Make sure the one you choose has some staying power.

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S8E04 | Run for your life

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Once again we thank The Grand Historian for giving up another good one. This one's an eight-character chengyu. The story goes back to 206 BC and the famous story of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu's meeting at The Banquet at Hongmen. Here, the two contenders for the emperorship of China, meet face to face. Only one of them could sit on that throne and beginning right here, the Chu-Han Contention begins. The chengyu for this time, 项庄舞剑, 意在沛公 Xiàng Zhuāng Wǔ Jiàn, Yì Zài Pèi Gōng comes from this slice of history mentioned in the Record of the Grand Historian from the chapter on Xiang Yu. People who have a lot to lose, especially in the world of politics and government should pay attention to this one. It's a good one to use when describing someone who may appear all nice and pleasant but who has a hidden motive to do you harm. Enjoy!

White Vengeance Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H3yXEh7KCQ

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S8E03 | Gimme Three Steps

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

With a cast of characters like the Dukes of Jin and Chu and everyone's favorite exile Chong Er, you're guaranteed a treat. This is the story behind the chengyu: 退避三舍 Tuì Bì Sān Shè. The story of Chong Er, his escape from persecution by his father Duke Xian of Jin, and his triumphant return to Jin in 636 BC is one of the countless unforgettable stories from ancient Chinese history. Before Chong Er became Duke Wen of Jin, he experienced a nineteen-year odyssey that took him throughout the states of the Zhou Dynasty. This story concerns a visit to Chu. Sometimes you gotta know when to make a strategic retreat.

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S8E02 | Blue, Blue, My World is Blue

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 13:00:00 -0400

This time we're featuring another oldie but goodie, Qīng Chū Yú Lán 青出于蓝. Though Xunzi was the inspiration for the chengyu, the tale behind this Chinese Saying comes from the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. The longer version of the saying goes 青出于蓝, 而胜于蓝 but we'll just focus on the front four and that's all you need for most situations where you want to remark about a student or apprentice, surpassing their teacher or master. Don't forget, all the terms for all the episodes can be found at my website at https://teacup.media. Thanks, everyone.

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S8E01 | Wouldn't Change a Thing

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 12:30:00 -0400

Welcome back my all history and Chengyu lovers to another Season of The Chinese Sayings Podcast. We're coming out of the starting gate fast and strong with another well-known and useful chengyu. Today we examine the 3rd century BC story behind Yī Zì Qiān Jīn ( 一字千金 ). This is the one that came to us direct from The Grand Historian Himself and it features Lü Buwei, Lady Zhao, and the father of the future first emperor of China, King Zhuangxiang. This is one of the classic stories from the Qin State. Stay cool everyone, especially all ya'lls in Arizona.

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Bonus Episode: Emma debuts on the Chinese Sayings Podcast

Sun, 21 May 2023 14:00:00 -0400

Emma's been integral to the CSP for a few seasons now. Here's one more nice chengyu that has loads of utility value. This time Emma herself, introduces the story behind the saying 世外桃源 Shì Wài Táo Yuán. This comes straight from the great Eastern Jin literatus Tao Yuanming. Many of us dreamers have thought about getting away from it all to escape to a utopian paradise. I hope you enjoy the story and Emma's telling of it. We'll be back next season with more useful and interesting Chinese Sayings.

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S7E10 | She's a Woman!

Sun, 07 May 2023 14:00:00 -0400

Another season, another twenty weeks. Thanks to everyone who tuned in to the CSP and to all of you who have discovered the show since I began posting it to my CHP feed. We end Season 7 with an old one from the Book of Jin 晋书 that contains two venerable co-stars from the Three Kingdoms era. This time we look at the amusing story behind the 巾帼英雄 Jīn Guó Yīng Xióng. The CSP will be back one more time with a bonus episode featuring Emma, the G.M. of the Teacup 成语研究中心. You won't want to miss that.

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S7E09 | I want you to show me the way

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0400

For our ninth offering of the season here's another golden oldie with a story that goes back almost 2,700 years to the time of the early Spring and Autumn Period. The story concerns the two major states of Qí and Yān and the two minor (and mostly forgotten) states of Lìngzhī and Gūzhú. Two major and extremely consequential characters from those times star in this story. These were Duke Huán of Qí and his advisor Guǎn Zhòng. They led their troops into the mountains on a punitive expedition and ended up getting hopelessly lost in the process. Fortunately, for all concerned, 老马识途 Lǎo Mǎ Shí Tú, and they were able to escape from their dilemma and live on to fight another day.

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S7E08 | All I Want Is To Be Next To You

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0400

That's right. The story behind our Chinese Saying for this time is quite recent as Chinese history goes. It takes place merely a thousand years ago, during the time of the Northern Song Dynasty. Just like location, location, location is what matters most in real estate, when it comes to getting ahead in your career, the same often holds true. One's location, relative to the boss, can sometimes make it or break it for you. As this story will show, if you're hoping to climb the ladder of success, sometimes a Jìn Shuǐ Lóu Tái 近水楼台 is all you need. A pavilion or a building near the water? How could that help an ambitious and aspiring bureaucrat in the government? Listen to this story that features the great Northern Song poet, politician, philosopher, writer, military strategist, and scholar-official, Fan Zhongyan.

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S7E07 | I Should've Known Better

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0400

This time around we're reaching all the way back to those fateful years following the fall of the Qin Dynasty and the contentious period of conflict between Liu Bang of Han and Xiang Yu of Chu. As these two rivals battle it out, Liu Bang sought advice from one of his advisors on a plan of action. But as we'll see, that plan is blown out of the water by the great hero of the early Han, Zhang Liang. In order to persuade Liu Bang of the folly of this plan, Zhang Liang will 借箸代筹 Jiè Zhù Dài Chóu, borrow chopsticks to illustrate his strategy. And using these chopsticks as a prop to illustrate his point, Zhang Liang blows this advisor's good idea out of the water.

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S7E06 | Locked and Loaded

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0400

Here comes one more textbook chengyu from the Spring and Autumn Period, as written by Master Zuo Qiuming 左丘明 himself. 厉兵秣马 Lì Bīng Mò Mǎ. Lots of marquee names from that exciting time, including Duke Mu of Qin and Duke Wen of Jin. Be sure to check the website for a handy downloadable cheat sheet listing all the Chinese names and terms. This one has a fair number of characters and place names. The kind of inter-kingdom rivalries that were one of the hallmarks of the Eastern Zhou are front and center in this 7th-century BC tale. This is a good Chinese Saying that has a few useful applications in real life. Thanks for listening.

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S7E05 | I Carry the Burden and Shame

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0400

We've reached the midway point in Season 7 with this exciting Chinese Saying from the Record of the Three Kingdoms. The backstory for this chengyu concerns the aftermath of the killing of Guan Yu by the forces of Eastern Wu. The star of this tale is Lu Xun 陆逊 (not 鲁迅). Sun Quan entrusted Lu Xun with an all-important mission. And from this mission to defeat Liu Bei came the saying 忍辱负重 Rěn Rǔ Fù Zhòng. Sometimes even when you're right, you must suffer ridicule and mockery for the sake of a higher mission that's not yet ripe for execution.

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S7E04 | Mirror Mirror On the Wall

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 15:00:00 -0400

This time we wander back to the 4th century BC to the State of Qi under its great King Wei. There was a handsome resident of Qi named Zou Ji who had a thing about a certain Mr. Xu. From Zou Ji's obsessive concern about his good looks compared to Mr. Xu, it ultimately leads to a fateful meeting with the King of Qi. And from this meeting and the results that followed we get the Chinese Saying 门庭若市 Mén Tíng Ruò Shì. Why was the King of Wei's palace courtyard compared to a crowded marketplace? Listen to the amusing story behind this chengyu and find out.

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S7E03 | We Swore Blood Brothers Against the Wind

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Who doesn't know this one? If you never read "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" perhaps you might not know this one. In all the thousands of years of Chinese culture and history, this gem from Luo Guanzhong's novel is very high on the list. Here's a quick retelling of the tale about that day Liu Bei met Zhang Fei and Guan Yu and their sworn brotherhood in Zhang Fei's peach garden. The Táoyuán Jiéyì 桃园结义. This chengyu can only be used when describing the most sincere and honorable of oaths taken to achieve some common cause. Any Romance of the Three Kingdoms lovers should go groove on John Zhu's Three Kingdoms Podcast http://www.3kingdomspodcast.com/

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S7E02 | What's the Rush?

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In this second installment of the 7th Season, Laszlo once refers to "The Mengzi" for this short tale of the foolish farmer who wasn't satisfied with nature's pace. This time we look at 揠苗助长 Yà Miáo Zhù Zhǎng. Let's face it, some things in life take time, especially when the natural order of things is involved. This farmer back in the ancient Song State thought he had developed a winning technique to speed the growth of his fields. It didn't turn out like he expected.

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S7E01 | Lips n' Teeth

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Happy New Year everyone!! We begin 2023 with a brand new season of The Chinese Sayings Podcast. For the Season 7 opener, we're going with another one that came straight from The Chronicles of Zuo: Chún Wáng Chǐ Hán 唇亡齿寒. If the lips are gone, the teeth get cold. Those of you familiar with the Korean War might recall Chairman Mao using this one.

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S6E10 | Putting out the Fire with Gasoline

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0400

Once again, Warring States heavy, Han Feizi, pulls through for us with an excellent chengyu in this Season 6 closer. Bào Xīn Jiù Huǒ 抱薪救火. Sometimes you think you're helping...but all you're doing is making things worse. Our story goes back to the early 3rd century BC rivalry between Qin and Wei. During the reign of pugnacious King Zhaoxiang of Qin, Wei State had to figure out how to survive this ambitious and energized rival kingdom. The King of Wei's advisors offered conflicting advice about how to help the situation. The king finds out later what was supposed to help his state's situation only made things worse.

Many thanks, everyone for taking in this final episode of Season 6. Laszlo and Emma will be back soon with a new and interesting lineup in Season 7.

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S6E09 | The Great Rejuvenation

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Here's another good chengyu that goes all the way back to the Zuo Zhuan, The Commentaries of Zuo Qiuming. The story takes place during the 6th century BC and concerns the Spring & Autumn Period states of Chu and Jin. Sima Hou of Jin advised his king against forcing the unlikable Chu King Ling into a corner. The king's advisor explained, when nations find themselves in a tight spot and the heat is on, 多难兴邦 Duō Nàn Xīng Bāng, many hardships can rejuvenate the nation.

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S6E08 | I Was Made to Love Her

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Here's another great one from the good old days of the Western Han Dynasty. Does the Book of Han deliver or what? If you like happy endings, this is one you'll enjoy. Two star-crossed lovers, one rich and one poor, don't stop believing and end up happily ever after. This is the story of Sima Xiangru 司马相如 and Zhuo Wenjun 卓文君. He knew it as soon as he saw Zhuo Wenjun, despite their different stations in life, he was made to love her. This beauty from such an exalted household saw that Sima Xiangru's home may have been 家徒四壁 Jiā Tú Sì Bì, but she didn't mind. Sima Xiangru went on to become one of ancient China's greatest of the great literati. Don't mix him up with Lin Xiangru 蔺相如, the great official from the State of Zhao, featured in a few previous CSP episodes. Jiā Tú Sì Bì, a house with only four walls.

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S6E07 | Tomorrow Never Knows

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Here's one that goes back all the way to the Huananzi 淮南子. And it's still used today. And quite often too. Sài wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú 塞翁失马焉知非福. Eight characters that remind us sometimes you never know when a good thing turns out to be a bad thing and a bad thing turns out to be a blessing in disguise. This is the Chinese Saying that reminds us fate rewards us in strange and roundabout ways. It also taketh away just when you thought you were lucky.

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S6E06 | Looks Good On Paper

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 16:00:00 -0400

This week's Chinese Saying is a well-worn one brought to us by none other than Sima Qian, the Grand Historian. Featured in this story are Lian Po, Zhao She, Zhao Kuo, Bai Qi and the whole Battle of Changping. This is the story of Zhǐshàng Tánbīng 紙上談兵, a useful chengyu for all kinds of occasions where the end result doesn't necessarily go according to the carefully crafted plan.

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S6E05 | The Comeback Kid

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0400

This Chinese Saying for this time, 东山再起 Dōng Shān Zài Qǐ is a good one for any situation involving someone whose career everyone thought finished but who came back for one more great moment. This tale, taken from the Book of Jin, tells the story of Xie An who, after already doing great things for the Eastern Jin, came out of retirement to shine one more time.

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S6E04 | Sweating Buckets

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0400

We've all been in this situation in our lives. Here's one for all seasons. Poor old Zhou Bo was caught ill-prepared when the emperor was grilling him. Enjoy this one, gifted to us by The Grand Historian himself, Sima Qian: Hàn Liú Jiā Bèi 汗流浃背. The weather doesn't need to be hot and humid to relate to this ancient classic.

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S6E03 | A Horse is a Horse, Of Course, Of Course

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 17:00:00 -0400

The story behind today's Chinese Saying is an old favorite of all lovers of popular Chinese history. How can we forget Zhao Gao 赵高 from the Qin Dynasty and the famous story behind Zhǐ Lù Wéi Mǎ 指鹿为马. In our connected age when it's so easy to hoodwink one another in news feeds and social media, this is the perfect chéngyǔ to keep handy at all times. And of course, because this Zhǐ Lù Wéi Mǎ strategy worked so well for Zhao Gao in the 3rd Century BC, many an autocrat since, also found it handy and useful, not to mention, effective.

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S6E02 | Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 17:00:00 -0400

We're back with another good one, this time with a rare appearance of a twelve-character Chinese Saying. This one is perfect for our modern times. It' become a regular thing to see politicians, celebrities, and everyday people, talking the talk on social media about how to act, but not following through so much with walking the walk. Politicians stand on soapboxes and tell the people to obey the Covid regulations. But next thing you know, they're caught on video flaunting their own rules. This chéngyǔ is perfect to use in those kinds of situations. Zhǐ xǔ Zhōuguān fànghuǒ, Bùxǔ bǎixìng diǎndēng, 只许州官放火，不许百姓点灯.

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S6E01 | That Darn Mulberry Tree!

Sun, 03 Jul 2022 19:16:00 -0400

The CSP is back for another season. We're coming out of the starting gate nice and strong for the Sixth Season opener with one of the great all-time classics: Point at the Mulberry Tree and Scold the Locust Tree. Zhǐ Sāng Mà Huái 指桑骂槐. This one has a double provenance, coming to us from both The Thirty-Six Strategems and Dream of the Red Chamber. This Chinese Saying is quite useful and strongly favored by lovers of the art of passive aggression. Nine more good ones lined up for this season. Enjoy!

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S5E10 | Life is But a Dream

Sun, 05 Jun 2022 20:30:00 -0400

For the Chinese Sayings Podcast Season 5 closer, we reach into the treasure box to bring you another useful and memorable Chinese chengyu. This time we tell the story of the Golden Millet Dream, the Huáng Liáng Měi Mèng 黄粱美梦. A bitter petty official, dissatisfied with his lot in life, after a chance encounter with a Daoist priest, learns a powerful life lesson. This is a good Chinese saying for all dreamers out there. That's going to be it for this Fifth Season of the Chinese Sayings Podcast. We'll be back soon with another slate of useful and interesting chengyu's in Season 6. Thanks to everyone who have tuned in and enjoyed the CSP. And last but not least a heartfelt thanks to Emma for all her hard work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S5E09 | You Asked For It!

Sun, 22 May 2022 20:00:00 -0400

In this penultimate CSP episode for Season 5, we harken back to the Three Kingdoms Period, and the time of the two brothers Sun Ce and Sun Quan. When Sun Quan's lugubrious grieving over Sun Ce's unexpected and early passing leads him to neglect his kingdom, he learns from a trusted voice that he is Kāi Mén Yī Dào 开门揖盗. Opening the door and welcoming a robber. He's asking for it! Enjoy this story lifted directly from the Record of the Three Kingdoms. And thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S5E08 | It Don't Mean a Thing

Sun, 08 May 2022 19:55:00 -0400

For this latest CSP episode, we welcome China's great historian, Sima Qian to the stage where he plays in a starring role in this tragic story behind the well-known Chinese Saying Jiǔ Niú Yī Máo 九牛一毛. One hair from nine oxen. Most Chinese speakers know of this one but not the story behind it. When faced with a tough choice after displeasing Han Emperor Wu, the future Grand Historian, after careful consideration accepted his sad fate and went on to finish the epic history of China from mythical times to the present day in the Han, begun by his father, Sima Tan. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S5E07 | Produced By The Gods

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Another good one from The Zhuangzi, the Second Book of the Dao. This idiom concerns a craftsman in Lu (southern Shandong Province) who was particularly masterful at carving these wooden stands that held ceremonial bells. So great was his workmanship, people who beheld his handiwork declared it was Shén Gōng Gǔi Fǔ 神工鬼斧. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S5E06 | Mom of the Millennia

Sun, 10 Apr 2022 20:15:00 -0400

The Chengyu, Chinese Saying, for this time is one of the most well-known of all. This story is a staple when discussing the true meaning of a selfless mother who only lives for her children. This is the story of Mengzi's mother or "Mèng Mǔ" and her pursuit of the perfect location to raise her son. It took three tries but after Mèng Mǔ Sān Qiān 孟母三迁, she found the perfect place to raise her pride and joy. Through this, and other demonstrations of doing her best for her son, Mengzi's mother received high marks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S5E05 | Mr. Know-it-all

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 15:48:00 -0400

Another staple from the "Greatest Chengyu of All-time" Box Set. The Frog at the Bottom of the Well, 井底之蛙 Jǐng Dǐ Zhī Wā. This one has a multitude of uses and comes to us straight from The Zhuangzi. This story concerns a small frog living happily at the bottom of a well. He lived a happy and contented life but remained oblivious to what was going on outside the small space he resided in. He thought he knew everything till Mr. Sea Turtle came along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S5E04 | The Wood Man

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 20:00:00 -0400

The CSP is back with another good one coming to us courtesy of the Book of Jin. 木人石心 Mù Rén Shí Xīn. This story features real-life historical person Jia Chong, a high-up official in the Jin Dynasty and a long-time crony of the royal Sima Family. This is a good idiom to describe people who are principled and cannot be bought. No amount of temptation can lead them to stray from their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S5E03 | Be All That You Can Be

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:55:00 -0400

The story behind this Chinese Saying is a great one from Chinese history. The story of Tóu Bǐ Cóng Róng 投笔从戎 revolves around the esteemed Ban Family of historians. The patriarch was Ban Biao who co-wrote the Book of Han. Unfortunately, he passed away before completing this momentous work. His children Ban Gu and Ban Zhao completed the Book of Han. They had another sibling named Ban Chao who also toiled away as a historian. In this episode, we'll look at the story of Ban Chao before we went on to serve the Han Dynasty out in the Western Regions of Xinjiang. He threw down his pen and in a fit of patriotism and yearning for glory, he joined the army. You can also apply it to anyone is puts their life on hold and joins up to fight for a cause, such as the invasion of one's country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S5E02 | It's Too Late Baby

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 19:30:00 -0400

Another good one for you today from the golden age of chengyu's, The Warring States Period. This Chinese Sayings is taken from the Zuo Zhuan 左转 and concerns Duke Jing of the powerful State of Jin 晋景公. This gruesome story of revenge and deceit gave us the chengyu 病入膏肓. Bìng Rù Gāo Huāng. When any kind of situation reaches this Bìng Rù Gāo Huāng condition, it's hopeless. There's nothing that can be done. It's too late baby! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S5E01 | Everything's Good

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 02:35:00 -0400

We're back with another season of wonderful and useful chengyu's for your Chinese sayings repertoire. Everyone knows this one. Well, maybe not everyone but it's pretty well-known. We ended last season in the Later Han Dynasty and that's where we'll start Season 5. Though this story was written during the Ming dynasty it concerns the 3rd Century character Sima Hui 司马徽. He was the original Hǎo Hǎo Xiānshēng 好好先生 who lived not to upset anyone or take a contrarian stance against anything that was ever said to him (by anyone). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E10 | Salvation, Zhang Gang style

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 20:00:00 -0400

For the Season 4 closer, we end with a story taken from the Later Book of Han from the chapter all about the model official Zhang Gang. Not even the evil Liang Ji of Han Emperor Shun's time could poison the reputation and deeds of Zhang Gang. In this week's CSP offering, we see Zhang Gang talk some sense with the rebel bandit Zhang Ying. We'll see how he throws Zhang Ying a lifeline to rescue him from a situation that this remorseful bandit leader described as Fǔ Dǐ Yóu Yú 釜底游鱼. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E09 | Rejected!

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 01:10:00 -0400

Laszlo dredges up another great one from China's ancient times. This one not only features a story from Zhuangzi's Second Book of the Dao (a.k.a. The Zhuangzi) but also stars the great Confucius himself. In this story from the 5th century BC, Confucius is taken on a wild and bumpy ride with the violent and course "Robber" Zhi 盗跖. After trying to convince "Robber" Zhi of the error in his ways, Confucius is given a major dressing down and his philosophy is utterly rejected, leaving The Great Sage with a feeling of Hǔ Kǒu Yú Shēng 虎口余生. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E08 | Nobody Loves You When You're Down and Out

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 19:16:00 -0400

Here's another good one to remember if your life should temporarily hit the skids and your friends scatter. This one comes from the Grand Historian himself, Sima Qian, who tells us all about Lord Zhai, a loyal and respected public servant during the long reign of Han Emperor Wu. I hope you never have to use this one in your life but keep Mén Kě Luǒ Què 门可罗雀 handy just in case. And take a page out of the Record of the Grand Historian and what Lord Zhai's classy response was to his fair-weather-friends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E07 | One Bad Apple

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:25:00 -0400

Welcome back to another CSP. This time I'm happy to present to you another great one direct from The Zhuangzi. Everyone's favorite Daoist tells us the story about a young kid from the sticks who had a chance encounter with no less a personage than The Yellow Emperor himself. When engaging the young kid about matters regarding how to rule the world we learn the useful idiom of Hài Qún Zhī Mǎ 害群之马. This one has all kinds of uses and is worth remembering. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E06 | From the Sublime to the Ridiculous

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 18:55:00 -0400

In the latest CSP episode, we harken back to the early Jin Dynasty 晋朝 and the zaniness of the Sima Clan following the death of Emperor Wu of Jin. Plenty of blood flowed during the shake-out period as the 3rd century AD came to a close. But it wasn't all bad. From this period we get the great Chinese Saying, Gǒu Wěi Xù Diāo 狗尾续貂. Keep this one in your back pocket for use in case of something that started off good but ended up turning into a major farce in the end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E05 | That's Worth a Lot!

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 17:34:00 -0400

Today's CSP offering goes way way back to the time of Ancient Chu State during the 7th century BC. The famous "Hé Shì Bì" 和氏璧 Jade ornament discussed years ago in CSP episode S3E01 once again takes center stage. In this prequel to that S3E01 episode, we see how a poor farmer (He Shi) discovers this priceless jade and makes multiple failed attempts to hand it over to the King of Chu. This is really the prequel to that Season 3 opener that saw King Zhaoxiang of Qin renege on his offer to trade a bunch of cities to Zhao State if they would only bring him this priceless Jade Bi Ornament. Ifr you recall Lin Xiangru had to head to Qin to bring the whole jade back to Zhao. If something has immense and immeasurable value, today's Saying is perfect to use: Jiàzhí Liánchéng 价值连城. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E04 | Showing Paul How to Write a Song

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Today's Chinese Saying, Bān Mén Nòng Fǔ 班门弄斧 comes to us courtesy of the Tang and Song Dynasty luminaries Liu Zongyuan and Ouyang Xiu who teach us about the Zhou Dynasty hero Lu Ban. He knew how to use an ax to build stuff like no one else. You don't want to stand outside his doorway and brag about your ax-wielding skills. This is a good one to use when you see people talking up their skillset in front of a true master. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E03 | Waiting in Vain

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:04:00 -0400

Another classic from the long list of great Chinese Sayings. 守株待兔 Shǒu Zhū Dài Tù. Thank Han Feizi for this one. He teaches us not to sit around and wait for good luck to find us. Just because you got lucky once doesn't mean lightning will strike twice. In this quick story about the farmer in Song State, we learn sometimes it's better to go out and seek what you want rather than waiting for it to fall in your lap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E02 | They Smilin' in Your Face

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 13:40:00 -0400

Remember that O'Jay's tune from 1972, "Backstabbers"? They must have had Tang Dynasty chancellor Li Linfu in mind. The story behind our Chinese Saying for this time 口蜜腹剑 tells the story of this 8th-century politician/official who served the great Emperor Xuanxong (玄宗). All the time, they want to take your place, the backstabbers (backstabbers). Beware of those with a honey mouth and a dagger in their belly. Kǒu Mì Fù Jiàn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S4E01 | The Four-Legged Snake

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:03:00 -0400

Welcome back to the fourth season of the Chinese Sayings Podcast. After three years and seven months, we continue where we left off with another story behind one of the great Chinese Sayings, or chengyu. This time around, we harken back to the "Strategies of the Warring States" to look at the tale of drawing legs on a snake. Don't forget, all the characters and Chinese terms from all the CSP episodes are all listed for you at the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E10 | Always Expect the Unexpected

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 17:29:00 -0400

For the final episode of Season 3 Laszlo closes with one of the classics from the Three Kingdoms era. Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang star in this drama played against the backdrop of the Battle of Red Cliff. Who hasn't fallen victim to something big or small that resulted when your best-laid plans didn't quite work out as you expected. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Want to support the CSP? Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/ChinaHistoryPodcast Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/chinahistorypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E09 | I Gotta Get to the Gym!

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 18:10:00 -0400

Another classic from the Eastern Han which features the future King of Shu, the great Liu Bei of Three Kingdoms period renown. In this episode we find Liu Bei catching a breather after suffering a defeat in the service of Yuan Shao at the hands of Cao Cao's forces. During his period of laying low, Liu Bei starts to regret the situation he finds himself in. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at https://teacup.media/chinesesayingspodcastepisodes/s3e10-always-expect-the-unexpected Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E08 | Create Your Destiny

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 01:05:00 -0400

Laszlo introduces another nobody from Chinese history named Zong Que who had his own great aspirations. He swore he would make something of himself one day. Furthermore, if he did, he was determined to do it as a soldier. Although Zong Que's achievements on the battlefield weren't written about in most history books, the old Book of Song included his story and how we got this episode's featured Chinese Saying. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E07 | There's Always a Way

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 14:11:49 -0400

This week's Chinese Saying comes from a story direct from the Eastern Han Dynasty. It features the Guangwu Emperor who gave us this useful idiom when he praised the star of our episode. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Want to support the CSP? Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/ChinaHistoryPodcast Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/chinahistorypodcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-chinese-sayings-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E06 | Seeing is Believing!

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:36:00 -0400

When the Han Emperor Xuan had a headache out in west China he called on Old Reliable, General Zhao Chongguo, to deal with it. From this, we get one of the most useful Chinese Sayings ever! For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E05 | He Sure Had a Lot of Gall

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 19:51:00 -0400

We're midway through the halfway point in Season 3. China History Podcast fans will all know this story from which our Chengyu was derived. These is the early years of the Warring States period. Kings Goujian of Yue State and Fuchai of Wu were slugging it out down in Central China. From this epic struggle between these two neighboring rivals came one of the great stories from ancient Chinese history that has been told and re-told throughout the centuries. Let's hear it one more time in this episode and learn what's up with "lying on brushwood and tasting bile." For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E04 | A Man of Great Ambition

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 21:44:00 -0400

We're in the dying days of the Qin Dynasty with this week's Chinese Saying. The Dazexiang Uprising marked a turning point in the fortunes of the Qin empire. In this episode we meet Chen Sheng, a.k.a. Chen She, whose origins couldn't have been more humble. Hear his story and how he aspired to be to become the Hong Hu Zhi Zhi concealed away in his heart. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E03 | Go For Broke!

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:45:00 -0400

For this week's offering, we hear the well-known legend of Xiang Yu, Zhang Han, and Liu Bang. As the Qin Dynasty starts to crumble Xiang Yu heads to the defense of Zhao State to face off against the ever-victorious Qin general Zhang Han and ultimately the kingship of Guanzhong. Before he engaged Zhang Han in battle, Xiang Yu shouted a four-syllable order to his troops. And we look at these famous words in this episode. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E02 | So Sorry!

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 16:15:00 -0400

We continue on with another story featuring the great statesman from the Warring States period, Lin Xiangru. After becoming a hero last episode for returning the He Shi Bi Jade back to Zhao, Lin rose high in the government. But the mighty general Lian Po wasn't satisfied to play second fiddle and was determined to put Lin Xiangru in his place. He should have known better and learned a great lesson. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S3E01 | True to His Word

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 04:08:00 -0400

Season 3 is off and running with an episode featuring the Western Han statesman and hero Sima Xiangru. In this Season 3 series all episodes will feature heroes and brave soldiers from Chinese history. In this episode Sima Xiangru promises his king if the precious He Shi Bi jade ornament should get stolen or lost, he will find it and return it safely to his home state of Zhao all in one piece. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-chinese-sayings-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E10 | You Smell That?

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 02:35:00 -0400

In the CSP Season 2 finale, Laszlo picks out a good one featuring China's most famous person from ancient times. Today with our smartphone-obsessed lifestyles you can say we too are sometimes so absorbed in our TikTok videos and Twitter, we too sometimes don't notice the smell of meat. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. And thanks to Mr. Jeffrey Wong who told me it's thought that the ancient Shao music enjoyed by Confucius, may not have actually vanished as I indicated in the episode. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E09 | Whole Lotta Love

Sun, 16 Apr 2017 14:42:00 -0400

Laszlo tells a story of true love between two literary famosas from the Song Dynasty. Theirs was the perfect love that contained all the ingredients of marital bliss except length of years together. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E08 | Give it All You Got!

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 01:32:00 -0400

Back to Shandong Province and the Spring and Autumn Period to the epic Battle of Chang Shao 684 BCE to learn how underdog Lu State, by the beat of a drum, out-strategized their bigger and more powerful neighbor to the north. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E07 | Double Sorrow

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 00:10:11 -0400

Here's another musical chengyu with an injection of sadness. It's a theme that has inspired movies, plays, and every kind of literature. When your eye catches an object that reminds you of someone important in your life who had passed away. It also features some literati megastars from Chinese cultural history. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Want to support the CSP? Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/ChinaHistoryPodcast Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/chinahistorypodcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-chinese-sayings-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E06 | I Love You Man!

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 20:46:00 -0400

This is a nice musical Chinese Saying to describe a soulmate or someone who can be called your 知音 (zhīyīn)..a friend who is appreciative or understanding of a friend (and his talents). Like almost all of this Chengyu, it comes to us directly from the first half of the Eastern Zhou Period. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E05 | A Man of Great Inability

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 03:00:00 -0400

Everybody knows of someone who can be described by this Chinese Saying. In this week's musical Chinese Saying we look at the lazy poser Mr. Nanguo and his brief career as a Yu player in an all-Yu Orchestra and the wonderful story that gave us a nice useful saying. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E04 | Surrounded!

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 01:55:00 -0400

Hopefully, none of us will ever face these circumstances...but when all is lost and you're surrounded by enemies trying to take you down, remember the Songs of the ancient state of Chu. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E03 | Stop Wasting Time

Sun, 05 Mar 2017 22:46:00 -0400

If you've ever explained yourself or something you're quite expert in and all you get is a blank stare of complete non-comprehension, this one is for you. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E02 | I Can't Get it Out of My Head

Sun, 26 Feb 2017 22:52:00 -0400

Have you ever experienced something, the impact of which lasted well beyond when you saw it or heard it? That's what today's particularly useful Chinese Saying is all about. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S2E01 | Too Rich For My Blood

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 19:44:00 -0400

We're back with the Season Two opener. This time Laszlo digs deep into the Eastern Zhou Dynasty to introduce a Chinese Saying with a story that tells why some music just isn't for everybody. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E10 | Betting the Bank

Sun, 29 Jan 2017 22:59:00 -0400

In this last episode of the first season of the Chinese Sayings Podcast, Laszlo explains the scuttlebutt behind the loyal official who wagered a dynasty in one single bet. Gū Zhù Yī Zhì For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E09 | Payback!

Sun, 22 Jan 2017 18:11:00 -0400

Laszlo serves up yet another good one, Gǎn Ēn Tú Bào. An ancient story teaches us when someone does ya a solid...don't forget to show your gratitude by paying them back one day. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E08 | The Hu and the Hu

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 02:33:00 -0400

Back to the Warring States period once again to a story that brings us a story that many of us are all too familiar with. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E07 | The Entourage

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 04:14:00 -0400

A noble lord accepts an ill-fated job offer and relies on his entourage to extricate him from his situation. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E06 | Welcome to the Jar

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 18:36:00 -0400

This week Laszlo digs up another doozie, starring some Tang Dynasty inquisitors in the employ of China's one and only Empress to rule as the head of state. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E05 | Should I Save or Should I Throw?

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 20:58:00 -0400

Laszlo digs up another oldie but goodie from 1,800 years ago. Everyone has nibbled on chicken ribs at one time or another. Bon appétit mesdames et messieurs! For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E04 | A Lousy Place to Fish

Sun, 18 Dec 2016 23:00:00 -0400

缘木求鱼 This week's Chengyu phrase features no less a personage than the great philosopher Mencius himself, Mengzi to the cognoscenti. In this chengyu Mengzi preaches a lesson of peace to the King of Qi State in Shandong province. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E03 | A Sincere Gift of a Mere Trifle

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 00:20:00 -0400

The next time someone looks down on your gift because its value isn't much, now you have the perfect rejoinder. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E02 | Fen-Wise and Yuan-Foolish

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 16:28:00 -0400

In this new episode (weekly, as advertised), Laszlo introduces a story from the early 4th Century BCE, the Warring States period that preceded the unification of China under Qin Shihuang. It concerns the ruler down in the southwest kingdom of Shu, centered around Chengdu. Thanks to his greediness for a small gift, he ended up losing big later on. He was so busy counting his pennies earned in a quick score that he lost sight of the pounds he'd lose down the road. This ruler's moment of weakness was immortalized by Lü Buwei in his highly respected Lü Shi Chunqiu who called him out as one who Tan Xiao Shi Da. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit our website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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S1E01 | Take Care in That Melon Field

Sun, 27 Nov 2016 20:19:00 -0400

In the inaugural episode of the Chinese Sayings Podcast Laszlo introduces one of his favorites from his earliest days: Guā Tián Li Xià. 瓜田李下. This one goes all the way back to the early days of the Three Kingdoms Period. The lesson it teaches us is to watch yourself when you're in circumstances that might possibly be misunderstood and show you in a suspicious light. Don't forget to visit teacup.media for a full list of the terms used in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Welcome to the Chinese Sayings Podcast

Sat, 26 Nov 2016 17:00:00 -0400

A warm welcome to the Chinese Sayings Podcast! Since 2017 Laszlo Montgomery introduces a new "chengyu" or Chinese idiomatic expression or saying. You'll get the backstory behind these ancient sayings. Once you learn the story behind each expression, you'll be able to unlock the meaning. These Chinese Sayings are filled with history and legendary stories. No need for you to be a Chinese language speaker. These stories can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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