(31)A bird startled by the mere twang of a bow-string 惊弓之鸟

During the time of the Warring States (475-221 BC), there lived a well-known archer named Geng Ying whose art in shooting was excelled by none at his time.

One day, as he was standing by the side of the King of Wei, a flock of swan geese were flying over. With confidence, Geng Ying said to the king, "The twang of my bow-string might bring down a bird." The King doubted much.

Just then a solitary swan goose appeared, low and slow in its flight, sad and dolorous in its cry. Instantly Geng Ying bended his bow and forcibly pulled the bowstring. Twang! High up went he shrilling sound into the air and down fell the bird to the ground.

The king admired with bewilderment. Gang Ying then explained: "The bird was flying low and slowly, because it was already hurt; it was crying in a bitter tone, because it had lost its companions. Due to the fact that it was already hurt and sad at heart, the twang of my strong bow, that birds dreaded most, startled it. The shrilling sound made its heart beat fast, its wings weak, its balance uneven. Thus it fell down just as commonly as a man drops his chop-sticks, at the thunder-stroke, at a dinner table."

Henceforth comes the idiom "A bird startled by the mere twang of a bow-string", illustrating a case where a man who had been previously and repeatedly frightened became numb and stupefied by a new thing of the same nature not knowing how to face the new situation.

(32) last touch added to a drawing 画龙点睛

Once a famous artist Zhang Seng You drew four dragons on the walls of An Le Temple, Jin Ling, but he left the pupils of the dragons unfinished.

Someone asked him the reason of the omission. In answer, he said that if he put the pupils therein the dragons would become alive and fly away. The questioner did not believe it and requested him to complete the work. The artist nodded assent.

But as soon as the two dots were drawn, all of a sudden, there were thunder and lightning and the dragon became alive and instantly flew away, while the other three without pupils still remained there.

Based on this fairy tale, the last touch added to a drawing is said to be the act of adding pupils to a dragon, that is to say, the last touch in a masterpiece is the most important part of a drawing, or any other important business.

(33) to quench one's thirst by looking up at plums 望梅止渴

Among the outstanding figures of Chinese history, famous either for their intelligence or treachery, Cao Cao is one of the foremost.

One hot day, he marched out his troops under a burning sun in a mountainous area. Bewilderingly he lost the way. The journey was long and the sun was scorching. After their fruitless and tiresome march, one and all voiced their great dissatisfaction with the leadership of Cao Cao. They bitterly complained of their great thirst. The antagonism of the soldiers was growing fast and they were on the verge of staging a mutiny. The subordinate officers were helpless to cope with the situation.

Cao Cao, however, in the nick of time cleverly and treacherously gave orders to his troops to march to the nearby plum trees for a rest and announced that soldiers would be allowed to eat the juicy sour fruit as much as they desired.

At the thought of the sour fruit the soldiers' complaint of great thirst as well as the antagonistic feeling were quickly forgotten.Based on the story the later generation formed the proverb "to quench one's thirst by looking up at plums", to illustrate a case where one takes comfort in believing that they have already attained that which was expected or desired.

(34) The donkey in ancient Guizhou has exhausted its tricks 黔驴技穷

In ancient times, Guizhou (a province in China)had no donkeys. One day, a man full of fancy ideas shipped a donkey to the region. But he soon discovered the donkey was no use, so he took it to a mountain and left it there.

A tiger saw the donkey and thought it was a mysterious beast. He hid himself carefully in the woods, and dared only to watch the donkey from a distance. One day, the donkey brayed. The tiger thought the donkey was going to bite him. But the donkey did nothing more.

The tiger soon got used to the noise, and moved closer. At last, he decided to provoke the strange beast. The donkey couldn't put up with this, and gave the tiger a kick. But the kick didn't hurt very much. The tiger knew this donkey was weak. He sprang on the donkey and made a good meal of the donkey.

Later, people use it to describe someone who is at his wit's end.

(35) Skill comes from practice 熟能生巧

During the Northern Song Dynasty, there was a skilled archer. One day he drew a big crowd while he was practicing on the drill ground. He shot so accurately that the on-lookers cheered with excitement. He became very proud of his skill. But among the crowd an old oil peddler only nodded his head indifferently. This hurt his Pride.

"Can you do this?" he asked the old oil peddler.

"No, I can't."
"What do you think of my skill?"

"Just OK, but nothing special. You've gained your accuracy from persistent practice. That's all."

"What can you do, then?"

The old man said nothing. He put a gourd bottle on the ground and covered its mouth with a copper coin. He then scooped out a ladle of oil from his big jar, held it high and began to fill the bottle. Now, a thread of oil came down from the ladle into the bottle just through the hole of the coin. Everybody looking on watched with amazement. But the old man said, "This is nothing special, I can do this because I have practiced it a lot." And with these words, he left.

Later, people use this phrase to mean "Practice makes perfect".

(36) Bring the dying back to life 起死回生

Long, long ago, there was a famous doctor named Bian Que who usually traveled everywhere to collect medicine to cure patients.

One day, he heard about the sudden death of the prince of the State of Guo when he was passing the country. He inquired about the case of the prince from an official. Then he decided the prince wasn't dead, but was suffering a strange illness. He told the official he could save the prince and bring him back to life. He asked the official to take him to the capital.

At first, the official rejected. But he was so insistent that the official agreed to report it to the King. Since there was no any other way the King had to let Bian have a try. Bian used acupuncture therapy and the prince responded in no time. Then he continued to prescribe some medicine for a hot compress. Immediately, the prince sat up. Before he left, Bian gave 20 doses of medicine to the prince. And the prince recovered completely in 20 days.

Later, people use the idiom to praise the excellent skill of a doctor.

(37) Make three calls at the thatched cottage 三顾茅庐

In the third century, China was divided into three kingdoms: Wei in the north, Shu in the southwest and Wu in the southeast. Shu was a weak state. The head of Shu, Liu Bei, was searching for talents everywhere for the kingdom. He heard of a very wise and knowledgeable man called Zhuge Liang who lived in Longzhong in Hubei province. So Liu decided to invite him to be his prime minister to help strengthen the State of Shu. In the year 207AD, Liu Bei with his sworn brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei traveled to Longzhong to ask Zhuge Liang to assist him. But Zhuge was not at home. Thus they had to return disappointedly.

Later, they came again. But again they failed to see Zhuge, because he had been wandering about for days and hadn't yet come back. This time, Liu Bei left a note expressing his meaning.

Some days passed, Liu wanted to make a third visit. Guan and Zhang wanted to stop him, but in vain. This time, Zhuge Liang was at home but he was sleeping. Liu let Guan and Zhang stand at the door, and he stood by the bed. When Zhuge woke up and saw him, he was moved by his sincerity. He complied with Liu's request and became his prime minister. With the help of Zhuge, Liu enlarged his territory and his kingdom became as strong as the Wu and Shu.

Later, people use it to describe people who invite someone in all sincerity and eagerness.

(38) When the Map is Unrolled, the Dagger is Revealed 图穷匕现

In the end of the Warring States Period(475－221 BC), there was a strong country named Qin. It wanted to annex other countries to unite China. In 228 BC, the Qin army captured a country and prepared to attack another country named Yan. So the prince Dan of Yan sent a brave man called Jing Ke to assassinate the King of Qin.

In order to gain the confidence of the King of Qin, he carried a map of the most fertile part of Yan territory to Qin and hid a sharp dagger in it. He came to Qin and entered the palace. When the king ordered the map be presented, he took out the map and presented it to the king with great respect. Slowly, he unrolled the map. When it was completely unrolled, the hidden dagger appeared. Jing Ke grabbed it and stabbed at the king. But the king dodged the dagger and hid himself behind a big pillar. Jing Ke had never got the chance to kill the king as he was soon killed by the palace guards. The plan has failed. Later, Qin had wiped off Yan.

The idiom describes the real intention is revealed in the end.

(39)The hounds are killed for food once all the hares are bagged 兔死狗烹

During the Spring and Autumn Period(770－476BC), there were two famous senior officials in the State of Yue. The King of the Yue named Gou Jian didn't accept the advice of Fan Li and blindly launched an attack against the neighboring State of Wu. As a result, he suffered disastrous defeat and was caught by the King of Wu. The King of Wu took him back and had him as a slave. Fan Li persuaded him to endure humiliation, pretend to surrender and wait for an opportunity to avenge.

Later, Wen Zhong went to the State of Wu on diplomatic missions and helped Gou Jian gain the confidence. Years later, Gou was set free. With the help of Fan and Wen, the State of Yue rapidly rehabilitated and later annexed the Wu.

As they had done so much contribution, both Fan and Wen was awarded great riches. Gou Jian even offered half of the state to Fan. But Fan rejected and decided to live in seclusion for knowing Gou too well. As a hermit, Fan wrote to his friend Wen. In his letter, Fan said,

"When all the flying birds have been shot down, the good bow is put away; when all the hares have been bagged, the hounds are killed for food. I suggest you withdraw in order to avoid disaster." Wen took his advice and pretended to be ill and stopped attending imperial court meetings. But it was too late. Gou Jian believed the slanderous gossips about Wen and ordered Wen to kill himself.

Later, people use it to mean trusted aides are eliminated when they have outlived their usefulness."

(40) Whoever Plays With Fire Will Get Burnt 玩火自焚

During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), prince Zhou Xu of the State of Wei killed his brother and became the new emperor. Zhou Xu was a tyrant. He oppressed his people and indulged in wars of aggression. By launching wars, he tried to divert the people's attention and reduce their discontent with him in order to consolidate his dictatorship.

The Duke of the State of Lu leant about Zhou Xu's usurpation of state power and his ambitious plan, he asked a senior official, "What do you think about Zhou Xu's move?"

The official answered, "He indulges in wars, bringing his people much disaster. He won't get their support. And he's capricious, so few of his close friends follow him. He can never achieve his success. In addition, war is like fire. If one launches wars endlessly without restraint, he'll eventually burn himself. "

Sure enough, the people of Wei with the help of the State of Chen overthrew Zhou Xu and killed him in less than a year.

Later, people use it to mean that those who do evil will finally ruin themselves.

(41) Sleep On Brushwood and Taste Gall 卧薪尝胆

During the Spring and Autumn period (770－476BC), the State of Wu launched an attack against the State of Yue. The King of Wu was seriously wounded and soon died. His son Fu Chai became the new King. Fu was determined to revenge. He drilled his army rigidly until it was a perfect fighting force. Three years later, he led his army against the State of Yue and caught its king Gou Jian. Fu took him to the State of Wu.

In order to avenge his father's death, Fu let him to live in a shabby stone house by his father's tomb and ordered him to raise horses for him. Gou pretended to loyal to Fu but he never forgot his humiliation. Many years later, he was set free. Gou secretly accumulated a military force after he went back to his own state.

In order to make himself tougher he slept on firewood and tasted a gall-bladder before having dinner and going to bed. At the same time he administered his state carefully, developing agriculture and educating the people. After a few years, his country became strong. Then Gou seized a favorable opportunity to wipe off the State of Wu.

Later, people use it to describe one who endures self-imposed hardships to strengthen one's resolve to realize one's ambition.

(42) Treat each other with respect 相敬如宾

During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), there was a high official in the State of Jin. He once saw a farmer working in the field and his wife bringing his lunch to him in a very respectful manner.

He showed great interest in the matter. He took the farmer back to Jin with him, and said to the King of Jin, "Respect is a demonstration of virtue. If one is respectful, he must be virtuous. We should educate our people with virtue."

But the King asked, "His father is guilty, is it wise to do so?" He replied, "Guan Zhong had been enemy to the Duke Huan of Qi, but the duke appointed Guan Zhong prime minister and finally accomplished his hegemony. Shun exiled Gun but promoted his son Yu. You just make use of his strong points." At last, Duke Wen took his advice and put the farmer in an important position.

Later, this idiom means a couple treats each other with respect like guests.

(43) Hide a Dagger in a Smile 笑里藏刀

There was a minister named Li Yifu during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). He was good at flattering people. So his official position was raised higher and higher. At last, he was made the prime minister. He was a vicious man. When he talked with people he always wore a sweet smile, but he was conjuring up evil ideas in his heart.

Once Li heard that a beautiful woman was put in prison, he sent for the prison officer and ordered him to set the woman free. The man followed his order and Li took the woman home.

Later, someone reported the case to the emperor. The prison officer was very afraid because he knew he had committed a crime by setting the criminal free. He had to go to Li Yifu for help. But Li ignored the thing and asked the man not to disturb him. The poor man was so disappointed that he hanged himself.

Another officer heard the tragic suicide of the prison officer, wanted to reveal the truth to the emperor. But Li knew his plan and he began making false accusations against him. The foolish emperor believed Li's words and exiled the officer to a distant area.

Later, the idiom has been used to describe a man with murderous intent behind his smile.

(44) Press on to the finish without letup 一鼓作气

During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC), the State of Qi launched an attack against the State of Lu. Qi was much stronger than Lu. The King of Lu led the army by himself. The two parties met at a place named Chang Shao.

When the King of Lu prepared to start the offensive, Cao Gui, his general, stopped him and said: "Wait a moment! The time has not come." Then they came to a high stage to observe the battle formation of the Qi's army.

At this time, they heard the sounds of drumming and saw the Qi's army charging head-on. The King of Lu wanted to rebut the charge but Cao Gui stopped him again. After a while, the Qi's charged for the second time. But the Lu's took no action.

The Qi soldiers' morale lowered after two vain attempts. After the third vain advance attack, the morale greatly declined. The soldiers were so tired that they sat down to rest.

"Now, our chance has come!" said the general. Then the Lu's army attacked the enemy bravely. The Qi army fled helter-skelter .At last the Lu has won the battle.

Originally, the idiom means "The fighting strength in the first drums is the highest." Later, it has been used to say "to press on to the finish without letup".

(45) Proficiency in a particular line 一技之长

Gong sun Long, is a famous scholar lived in the State of Zhao during the Warring States Period (475-221BC). He had kept a circle of skilled people around him. He often said, "A wise man should welcome anyone with a specialty."

One day, a man dressed in tattered and dirty clothes came to see him and said to him:" I have a special skill."

Gong asked: "What is it?"

"I have a loud voice and I'm good at shouting."

Then Gong turned to his followers and asked," Who is good at shouting?" But none of them answered "Yes ". So the scholar took the man in.

Some days later, Gong and his followers went on a trip. They came to a wide river and found the ferryboat was on the other side of the river. All of them had no idea.

Suddenly, Gong thought of the shouting expert and turned to him, "Can you have a try?" The man realized it was the chance to show his skill. He shouted to the ferryman as loud as he could, "Hey, ferryman, come here, we want to cross the river." As his voice ended, the ferryman came to fetch them. Gong was very satisfied with the new follower.

Later, people use it to describe anyone who has a special professional skill