歇后语

Shredded green onion mixed with tofu — crystal clear (green + white). A pun on "clear" (清 qīng) and "green" (青 qīng), meaning completely clear or innocent.

Drawing water with a bamboo basket — an empty gain. The effort results in nothing because water drains through the basket.

Sesame flowering — rising joint by joint. Sesame plants bloom from the bottom up, so each new flower is higher than the last. Used for steady improvement.

A rabbit's tail — won't grow long. Rabbits naturally have short tails, meaning something won't last long or can't be sustained.

An iron rooster — won't pluck a single feather. Describes a stingy person who refuses to spend money or help others.

Throwing meat buns at a dog — gone and never back. Once you give something away to someone greedy, you'll never see it again.

An ant on a hot pan — running around in circles. Describes someone who is extremely anxious, restless, or panicked.

Reading a script while riding a donkey — let's wait and see. Suggests the outcome is uncertain and we'll watch how things unfold as we go.

Seven up, eight down — heart unsettled. Describes a nervous, anxious, or uneasy state of mind.

Looking at someone through a crack in the door — seeing them flattened. Means to judge someone unfairly or look down on them with prejudice.

A cat crying over a dead mouse — fake sympathy. Refers to insincere pity from someone who actually caused the harm.

A tiger's backside — can't be touched. Describes someone who is extremely irritable or powerful and cannot be challenged.

A prodigal son turns back — worth more than gold. Someone who wasted their youth finally reforms, and that change is invaluable.

A frog at the bottom of a well — has never seen the big world. Describes someone with a narrow outlook due to limited experience.

Looking for a bone in an egg — finding fault. Means to nitpick or deliberately look for problems where none exist.