Corresponding English and Chinese proverbs and phrases(1)
1.After meat, mustard; after death, doctor .
雨后送伞
Explanation: this describes a situation where assistance or comfort is given
when it is too late.
Example: just as I had cancelled my application to go abroad, I had a
promise of money for my fare. It was a case of after death, the doctor.
2. After praising the wine they sell us vinegar.
挂羊头卖狗肉
Explanation: to offer to give or sell something that is inferior to what you
claim it to be.
Example: that fellow completely misled us about what he was capable of
doing. After praising the wine, he sold us vinegar.
3. All is over but the shouting.
大势已去
Explanation: finally decided or won; brought to the end; not able to be
changed.
Example: after Bill’s touch down, the game is all over but shouting.
4. All lay load on the willing horse.
人善被人欺,马善被人骑
Explanation: a willing horse is someone who is always doing things for
others. Very often the implication is that others impose on him.
Examples: the trouble is you're too good-natured and people take advantage
of it. all lay load on the willing horse. You will have to learn to refuse
people who ask too much.
5.anger and haste hinder good counsel.
小不忍则乱大谋
Explanation: one can not act wisely when one is angry or in a hurry.
Example: you should calm down before you decide the next move. Anger and
haste hinder good counsel.
6. As poor as a church mouse
一贫如洗
Explanation: to be exceedingly poor, having barely to live upon.
Example: he has a large family, and is poor as a church mouse.
Note: a church is one of the few buildings that contain no food.
7. A word spoken is past recalling.
一言既出,驷马难追
Explanation: the harm done by a careless word can not easily undo.
Example: for the rest of his life he reGREtted what he had said, but a word
spoken is past recalling and he knew he could never repair the damage of
that moment of harshness.