StChris Posted July 24, 2017 at 06:12 PM Report Share Posted July 24, 2017 at 06:12 PM Welcome to the party, abcdefg. I was starting to get a little worried that the show was becoming a little too much like the usual 家庭剧 (of which there are already hundreds), but it returned to politics and intrigue in the last episode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted July 25, 2017 at 02:39 PM Report Share Posted July 25, 2017 at 02:39 PM Episode 17 遏制 èzhì to check / to contain / to hold back / to keep within limits / to constrain / to restrain 提拔 tíbá to promote to a higher job / to select for promotion 化名 huàmíng to use an alias / assumed name / pseudonym 自投罗网 zìtóuluówǎng to walk right into the trap 兵贵神速 bīngguìshénsù lit. speed is a crucial asset in war (idiom) / fig. swift and resolute (in doing sth) 预案 yù'àn contingency plan 周密 zhōumì careful / thorough / meticulous / dense / impenetrable 走露风声 zǒulùfēngshēng to leak information 精干 jīnggàn crack (troops) / special (forces) / highly capable 便服 biànfú everyday clothes / informal dress / civilian clothes 费心 fèixīn to take a lot of trouble (over sb or sth) / may I trouble you (to do sth) 垫付 diànfù to advance funds to sb for later repayment 惭愧 cánkuì ashamed 榔头 lángtou hammer / large hammer / sledgehammer 棒槌 bàngchuí wooden club (used to beat clothes in washing) 上访 shàngfǎng to seek an audience with higher-ups (esp. government officials) to petition for sth 杰作 jiézuò masterpiece 好自为之 hǎozìwéizhī to do one's best / to shape up / to behave 难兄难弟 nánxiōngnándì lit. hard to differentiate between elder and younger brother (idiom) / fig. one is just as bad as the other 东拉西扯 dōnglāxīchě to talk about this and that (idiom); to ramble incoherently 假肢 jiǎzhī artificial limb / prosthetic 替补 tìbǔ to substitute for sb / reserve player 应付 yìngfu to deal with / to cope 均 jūn all 出具 chūjù to issue (document, certificate etc) / to provide 面壁思过 miànbìsīguò to face the wall and ponder about one's misdeeds / to stand in the corner (punishment) / (fig.) to examine one's conscience 操场 cāochǎng playground / sports field / drill ground / CL: 個｜个 俯卧撑 fǔwòchēng press-up (physical exercise) / push-up 死不悔改 sǐbùhuǐgǎi not to repent even facing death (idiom) / unrepentant / very obstinate 抬举 táijǔ to lift sth up / to elevate sb / to honor sb (with compliments, gifts, promotions etc) / to show great regard / to speak highly 意气用事 yìqìyòngshì to let emotions affect one's decisions 单刀直入 dāndāozhírù to get straight to the point (idiom) 压力山大 yālìshāndà (jocularly) to be under great pressure (a pun on 亞歷山大｜亚历山大) 心领 xīnlǐng I appreciate your kindness (conventional reply to turn down an offer) 急剧 jíjù rapid / sudden 剥削 bōxuē to exploit / exploitation 金条 jīntiáo gold bar 饶恕 ráoshù to forgive / to pardon / to spare 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yadang Posted July 25, 2017 at 10:29 PM Report Share Posted July 25, 2017 at 10:29 PM A little late to the party myself, but these vocab lists are enticing, thanks StChris! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted July 30, 2017 at 02:06 PM Report Share Posted July 30, 2017 at 02:06 PM Episode 18 惠农政策 Huìnóngzhèngcè A policy for supporting the development of the countryside 财迷心窍 cáimíxīnqiào mad about money (idiom) 黑箱操作 hēixiāngcāozuò covert activities (election rigging etc) / under-the-table manipulations / black operations 连累 liánlěi to involve / to implicate sb / to spread to others (harm, trouble, damage etc) 一醉方休 yīzuìfāngxiū to get thoroughly drunk (idiom) / to get plastered 老奸巨猾 lǎojiānjùhuá cunning / crafty / wily old fox 不共戴天 bùgòngdàitiān (of enemies) cannot live under the same sky / absolutely irreconcilable 增援 zēngyuán to reinforce 拦截 lánjié to intercept 待命 dàimìng to be on call / to be on standby 缉拿 jīná to arrest / to seize 归案 guī'àn to bring to justice / arrested and brought to trial 搭理 dāli to acknowledge / to respond / to answer / to pay attention / to heed / to deal with 暗渡陈仓 àndù Chéncāng lit. secretly crossing the Wei River 渭河 at Chencang (idiom, refers to a stratagem used by Liu Bang 劉邦｜刘邦 in 206 BC against Xiang Yu 項羽｜项羽 of Chu) / fig. to feign one thing while doing another / to cheat under cover of a diversion 引渡 yǐndù to extradite 邪乎 xiéhu extraordinary / severe / exaggerated / overstated / fantastic / incredible 大义凛然 dàyìlǐnrán devotion to righteousness that inspires reverence (idiom) 逍遥 xiāoyáo free and unfettered 非议 fēiyì to criticize 弃车保帅 qìjūbǎoshuài rook sacrifice to save the king (in Chinese chess); fig. to protect a senior figure by blaming an underling / to pass the buck 结义 jiéyì to swear brotherhood 带头 dàitóu to set an example 专断 zhuānduàn to act arbitrarily / to make decisions without consulting others 有目共睹 yǒumùgòngdǔ anyone with eyes can see it (idiom); obvious to all / sth speaks for itself / is there for all to see 传唤 chuánhuàn a summons (to the police) / subpoena 不近人情 bùjìnrénqíng not amenable to reason / unreasonable 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted July 31, 2017 at 10:30 AM Report Share Posted July 31, 2017 at 10:30 AM Episode 19 人之常情 rénzhīchángqíng human nature (idiom) / a behavior that is only natural 徇私枉法 xùnsīwǎngfǎ to bend the law in order to favor one's relatives or associates (idiom) 推三推四 tuīsāntuīsì to use all sorts of excuses 大腕 dàwàn star / big shot / celebrity / leading actor / authority (slang) 警笛 jǐngdí siren 空穴来风 kōngxuéláifēng lit. wind from an empty cave (idiom) / fig. unfounded (story) / baseless (claim) 口供 kǒugòng oral confession (as opposed to 筆供｜笔供) / statement / deposition 何许 héxǔ (literary) what place / what time / how 心知肚明 xīnzhīdùmíng to be well aware 勾肩搭背 gōujiāndābèi arms around each other's shoulders (idiom) 肃然起敬 sùránqǐjìng to feel deep veneration for sb (idiom) 激励 jīlì to encourage / to urge / motivation / incentive 出任 chūrèn to take up a post / to start in a new job 岳父 yuèfù wife's father, father-in-law 端倪 duānní boundary / clue / indication / to obtain clues / to infer 呼之欲出 hūzhīyùchū lit. ready to appear at the call (idiom) / fig. on the verge of coming out into the open / (of a person's choice etc) on the point of being disclosed / (of an artistic depiction) vividly portrayed 穷追 qióngzhuī to pursue relentlessly 举止 jǔzhǐ bearing / manner / mien 谈吐 tántǔ style of conversation 实事求是 shíshìqiúshì to seek truth from facts (idiom) / to be practical and realistic 果断 guǒduàn firm / decisive 匹敌 pǐdí to be equal to / to be well-matched / rival 蛮干 mángàn to act rashly / to act precipitously regardless of the consequences / reckless / foolhardy / daredevil 莽撞 mǎngzhuàng rude and impetuous 挥霍 huīhuò to squander money / extravagant / prodigal / free and easy / agile 阴险 yīnxiǎn treacherous / sinister 赚头 zhuàntou profit (colloquial) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 1, 2017 at 02:00 PM Report Share Posted August 1, 2017 at 02:00 PM Episode 20 凭证 píngzhèng proof / certificate / receipt / voucher 镜头 jìngtóu camera lens / camera shot (in a movie etc) / scene 信口开河 xìnkǒukāihé to speak without thinking (idiom) / to blurt sth out 服刑 fúxíng to serve a prison sentence 知无不言，言无不尽 zhīwúbùyán, yánwúbùjìn not hiding anything he knows, not stopping before he has said it through (idiom) / frank / outspoken 寻常 xúncháng usual / common / ordinary 世道 shìdào the ways of the world / the morals of the time 妇联 fùlián women's league / women's association 硬气 yìngqì firm / unyielding / strong-willed 维稳 wéiwěn to maintain social stability 场地 chǎngdì space / site / place / sports pitch 偷鸡不成蚀把米 tōujībùchéngshíbǎmǐ lit. to try to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice used to lure it (idiom) / fig. to try to gain an advantage only to end up worse off / to go for wool and come back shorn 憨厚 hānhou simple and honest / straightforward 会审 huìshěn joint hearing / to review jointly (i.e. with other checkers) 匍匐 púfú to crawl / to creep 淡出 dànchū to fade out (cinema) / to withdraw from (politics, acting etc) / to fade from (memory) 坑蒙拐骗 kēngmēngguǎipiàn to swindle / to cheat 窟窿 kūlong hole / pocket / cavity / loophole / debt 精益求精 jīngyìqiújīng to perfect sth that is already outstanding (idiom); constantly improving 刺绣 cìxiù to embroider / embroidery 滥用 lànyòng to misuse / to abuse 怨天尤人 yuàntiānyóurén (idiom) to blame the gods and accuse others 分文不取 fēnwénbùqǔ to give for free 挽救 wǎnjiù to save / to remedy / to rescue 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 2, 2017 at 11:57 AM Report Share Posted August 2, 2017 at 11:57 AM Episode 21 资助 zīzhù to subsidize / to provide financial aid / subsidy 分红 fēnhóng dividend / to award a bonus 批捕 pībǔ to authorize an arrest 失足 shīzú to lose one's footing / to slip / to take a wrong step in life 落水 luòshuǐ to fall into water / to sink / overboard / fig. to degenerate / to sink (into depravity) / to go to the dogs 探亲 tànqīn to go home to visit one's family 疑阵 yízhèn a diversion / a feint attack to mislead the enemy 撬开 qiàokāi to pry open / to lever open 铩羽而归 shāyǔ'érguī to return in low spirits following a defeat or failure to achieve one's ambitions (idiom) 直觉 zhíjué intuition 基建 jījiàn capital construction (project) / infrastructure 版面 bǎnmiàn page of a publication (e.g. newspaper or website) / printing space (reserved for some content) / page layout 三令五申 sānlìngwǔshēn to order again and again (idiom) 十恶不赦 shí'èbùshè wicked beyond redemption (idiom) / heinous 玩忽职守 wánhūzhíshǒu to neglect one's duty / dereliction of duty / malpractice 如日中天 rúrìzhōngtiān wildly successful 收缩 shōusuō to pull back / to shrink / to contract / (physiology) systole 战线 zhànxiàn battle line / battlefront / front 淘气 táoqì naughty / mischievous 象牙塔 xiàngyátǎ ivory tower 暗算 ànsuàn to plot against 大水冲了龙王庙 dàshuǐchōngle Lóng Wángmiào lit. surging waters flooded the Dragon King temple (idiom) / fig. to fail to recognize a familiar person / a dispute between close people who fail to recognize each other 大快人心 dàkuàirénxīn to the satisfaction of everyone 出洋相 chūyángxiàng to make a fool of oneself 抵赖 dǐlài to refuse to admit (what one has done) / to disavow / to renege 康庄大道 kāngzhuāngdàdào broad and open road (idiom); fig. brilliant future prospects 消停 xiāotíng to calm down / to stop / to pause / calmly / peaceful / restful 越狱 yuèyù to break out of prison / to jailbreak (an iOS device etc) 传奇 chuánqí legendary / fantasy saga / romance / short stories of the Tang and Song Dynasty 日期 rìqī date / CL: 個｜个 命名 mìngmíng to give a name to / to dub / to christen / to designate / named after /naming 清除 qīngchú to clear away / to eliminate / to get rid of 招惹 zhāorě to provoke / to tease 唾手可得 tuòshǒukědé easily obtained / readily available 渺茫 miǎománg uncertain / remote / distant and indistinct / vague 蓄意 xùyì deliberate / premeditated / malice 就事论事 jiùshìlùnshì to discuss sth on its own merits / to judge the matter as it stands 如愿 rúyuàn to have one's wishes fulfilled 顾全大局 gùquándàjú to take the big picture into consideration (idiom) / to work for the benefits of all 瞻前顾后 zhānqiángùhòu to look forward and back / to consider prudently / overcautious 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 3, 2017 at 10:37 AM Report Share Posted August 3, 2017 at 10:37 AM Episode 22 缉毒 jīdú to counter narcotics trafficking / drug enforcement 知遇之恩 zhīyùzhī'ēn lit. the kindness of recognizing sb's worth and employing him (idiom) / patronage / protection 概括 gàikuò to summarize / to generalize / briefly / CL: 個｜个 会师 huìshī to collaborate / to join forces / to effect a junction 弦 xián bow string / string of musical instrument / watchspring / chord (segment of curve) / hypotenuse / CL: 根 费解 fèijiě to be puzzled / hard to understand / unintelligible / incomprehensible 讲和 jiǎnghé to make peace / to reconcile 分而治之 fēn'érzhìzhī divide and rule (strategy) / divide and conquer 讳 huì to avoid mentioning / taboo word / name of deceased emperor or superior 麻木不仁 mámùbùrén numbed / insensitive / apathetic / thick-skinned 月偏食 yuèpiānshí partial eclipse of the moon 心灰意冷 xīnhuīyìlěng discouraged / downhearted 浩淼 hàomiǎo vast / extending into the distance 得过且过 déguòqiěguò satisfied just to get through (idiom); to muddle through / without high ambitions, but getting by 节制 jiézhì to control / to restrict / to moderate / to temper / moderation / sobriety / to administer 劣根性 liègēnxìng deep-rooted bad habits 呼啸 hūxiào to whistle / to scream / to whiz 分解 fēnjiě to resolve / to decompose / to break down 混淆 hùnxiáo to obscure / to confuse / to mix up / to blur / to mislead 驱使 qūshǐ to urge / to prompt / to spur on / to order sb about 显贵 xiǎnguì dignitary / distinguished person / royalty / nobleman / big shot 落井下石 luòjǐngxiàshí to throw stones at sb who fell down a well (idiom); to hit a person who is down 无可厚非 wúkěhòufēi not to be censured too strictly (idiom) / not altogether inexcusable / understandable 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 5, 2017 at 11:59 AM Report Share Posted August 5, 2017 at 11:59 AM Episode 23 选择性 xuǎnzéxìng selective / selectiveness / selectivity 截图 jiétú screenshot (computing) 筛查 shāichá screening (medicine), to sift 新马泰 Xīn MǎTài abbr. for Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand 质押 zhìyā to pawn / to pledge 债台高筑 zhàitáigāozhù lit. build a high desk of debt (idiom); heavily in debt 查封 cháfēng to sequester / to seize (assets) / to seal up / to close down 卷宗 juànzōng file / folder / dossier 及格 jígé to pass an exam or a test / to meet a minimum standard 排山倒海 páishāndǎohǎi lit. to topple the mountains and overturn the seas (idiom); earth-shattering / fig. gigantic / of spectacular significance 枉 wǎng to twist / crooked / unjust / in vain 罪责 zuìzé guilt 嫖娼 piáochāng to visit prostitutes / to go whoring 洋妞 yángniū young foreign girl 顾虑 gùlǜ misgivings / apprehensions 言辞 yáncí words / expression / what one says 出尔反尔 chū'ěrfǎn'ěr old: to reap the consequences of one's words (idiom, from Mencius); modern: to go back on one's word / to blow hot and cold / to contradict oneself / inconsistent 无奇不有 wúqíbùyǒu nothing is too bizarre / full of extraordinary things 农家乐 nóngjiālè rural tourism / agritourism 乐不思蜀 lèbùsī Shǔ indulge in pleasure and forget home and duty (idiom) 要职 yàozhí key job / important position 收敛 shōuliǎn to vanish / to moderate / to exercise restraint / to curb (one's mirth, arrogance etc) / to astringe / (math.) to converge 廉耻 liánchǐ honor and shame / sense of honor 毕恭毕敬 bìgōngbìjìng reverent and respectful / extremely deferential 沸反盈天 fèifǎnyíngtiān raise a rumpus, all is in uproar 处分 chǔfèn to discipline sb / to punish / disciplinary action / to deal with (a matter) / CL: 個｜个 袒护 tǎnhù to shield (a miscreant) from punishment, criticism etc / to take sb's side 姑息 gūxī excessively tolerant / to overindulge (sb) / overly conciliatory / to seek appeasement at any price 三番五次 sānfānwǔcì over and over again (idiom) 畅所欲言 chàngsuǒyùyán lit. fluently saying all one wants (idiom); to preach freely on one's favorite topic / to hold forth to one's heart's content 奴才相 núcaixiàng servile behaviour 可圈可点 kěquānkědiǎn remarkable (performance, achievement etc) / worthy of praise 低三下四 dīsānxiàsì servile 拉帮结派 lābānjiégpài to form cliques 是非曲直 shìfēiqūzhí lit. right and wrong, crooked and straight (idiom); fig. merits and demerits / pros and cons 众所周知 zhòngsuǒzhōuzhī as everyone knows (idiom) 民营 mínyíng privately run (i.e. by a company, not the state) 扫黄 sǎohuáng campaign against pornography 会所 huìsuǒ clubhouse / club 卖淫 màiyín prostitution / to prostitute oneself 迷魂阵 míhúnzhèn stratagem to trap sb / to bewitch and trap 三令五申 sānlìngwǔshēn to order again and again (idiom) 锁定 suǒdìng to focus attention on / to target 不谋而合 bùmóu'érhé to agree without prior consultation / to happen to hold the same view 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 7, 2017 at 01:55 PM Report Share Posted August 7, 2017 at 01:55 PM Episode 24 铁面 tiěmiàn iron mask (as defensive armor) / fig. upright and selfless person 高见 gāojiàn wise opinion / brilliant idea (honorific) 势必 shìbì to be bound to / undoubtedly will 丑陋 chǒulòu ugly 拥护 yōnghù to endorse / to support 爱戴 àidài to love and respect / love and respect 知趣 zhīqù to act tactfully / tactful / discreet 折服 zhéfú to convince / to subdue / to be convinced / to be bowled over 免 miǎn to excuse sb / to exempt / to remove or dismiss from office / to avoid / to avert / to escape / to be prohibited 头一回 tóuyīhuí the first time / for the first time 顶风 dǐngfēng to face into the wind / against the wind / fig. against the law 捉迷藏 zhuōmícáng to play hide-and-seek 雷厉风行 léilìfēngxíng pass like thunder and move like the wind (idiom); swift and decisive reaction 定性 dìngxìng to determine the nature (usually of error or crime) / to determine chemical composition / qualitative / fixed 抬杠 táigàng to bicker / to argue for the sake of arguing 颈椎 jǐngzhuī cervical vertebra / the seven cervical vertebrae in the neck of humans and most mammals 鸵鸟 tuóniǎo ostrich 肆无忌惮 sìwújìdàn absolutely unrestrained / unbridled / without the slightest scruple 高干 gāogàn high cadre / top party member 豪门 háomén rich and powerful (families) / aristocratic / big shots 趾高气扬 zhǐgāoqìyáng high and mighty (idiom); arrogant 嫉恶如仇 jíèrúchóu to hate evil as one hates an enemy (idiom) 池鱼之祸 chíyúzhīhuò a disaster not of one's own making 心如止水 xīnrúzhǐshuǐ to be at peace with oneself 修行 xiūxíng religious practice (Buddhism) 大体 dàtǐ overall situation / the big picture 易如反掌 yìrúfǎnzhǎng easy as a hand's turn (idiom); very easy / no effort at all 适可而止 shìkě'érzhǐ to stop before going too far (idiom); to stop while one can / don't overdo it / stop while you're ahead 迷恋 míliàn to be infatuated with / to indulge in 博取 bóqǔ to win (favors, confidence etc) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 9, 2017 at 09:41 AM Report Share Posted August 9, 2017 at 09:41 AM Episode 25 不折不扣 bùzhébùkòu a hundred percent / to the letter / out-and-out 义务 yìwù volunteer (work etc) 火眼金睛 huǒyǎnjīnjīng piercing eyes / discerning eyes 苍蝇不叮无缝蛋 cāngyingbùdīngwúfèngdàn lit. flies do not attack an intact egg (idiom) / fig. no smoke without a fire 厮混 sīhùn to hang out together with (derog.) / to mix with 蓄谋 xùmòu to premeditate / to plot 剑拔弩张 jiànbánǔzhāng lit. with swords drawn and bows bent (idiom); fig. a state of mutual hostility / at daggers drawn 一手遮天 yīshǒuzhētiān lit. to hide the sky with one hand / to hide the truth from the masses 伪造 wěizào to forge / to fake / to counterfeit 洗牌 xǐpái to shuffle cards 坐收渔利 zuòshōuyúlì benefit from others' dispute (idiom) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 10, 2017 at 10:46 AM Report Share Posted August 10, 2017 at 10:46 AM Episode 26 不解风情 bùjiěfēngqíng unromantic / insensitive 两袖清风 liǎngxiùqīngfēng lit. both sleeves flowing in the breeze (idiom); having clean hands / uncorrupted / unsoiled by corrupt practices 羊毛出在羊身上 yángmáochūzàiyángshēnshàng lit. wool comes from the sheep's back (idiom); One gets the benefit, but the price has been paid. / Nothing comes for free 另眼相看 lìngyǎnxiāngkàn to treat sb favorably 标注 biāozhù to mark out / to tag / to put a sign on sth explaining or calling attention to / to annotate (e.g. a character with its pinyin) 气魄 qìpò spirit / boldness / positive outlook / imposing attitude 虎视眈眈 hǔshìdāndān to glare like a tiger watching his prey (idiom) / to eye covetously 消沉 xiāochén depressed / bad mood / low spirit 撒泼 sāpō to make an unreasonable scene 不屑 bùxiè to disdain to do sth / to think sth not worth doing / to feel it beneath one's dignity 何尝 hécháng (rhetorical question) when? / how? / it's not that... 男儿膝下有黄金 part of a longer phrase (男儿膝下有黄金 只跪苍天和娘亲). It basically refers to a mans pride and says that he should only kneel before God and his mother 整 zhěng to give sb a hard time / to mess with sb 沟壑 gōuhè gorge / gulch / ravine / deep ditch 纵横 zònghéng lit. warp and weft in weaving; vertically and horizontal / length and breadth / criss-crossed / able to move unhindered / abbr. for 合縱連橫｜合纵连横, School of Diplomacy during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) 构想 gòuxiǎng to conceive / concept 有情人终成眷属 yǒuqíngrénzhōngchéngjuànshǔ love will find a way (idiom) 陈年 chénnián old / stored for many years 清醒 qīngxǐng clear-headed / sober / awake 拗不过 niùbuguò can't persuade / unable to make (sb) change their mind / unable to resist (sb) 信念 xìnniàn faith / belief / conviction 分道扬镳 fēndàoyángbiāo lit. to take different roads and urge the horses on (idiom) / fig. to part ways 达则兼济天下，穷则独善其身 normally written the other way around （穷则独善其身，达则兼济天下）. It means you should concentrate on looking after and improving your own condition when poor, and help the rest of the world once you are strong and rich 济 jì to cross a river / to aid or relieve / to be of help 拯救 zhěngjiù to save / to rescue 因小失大 yīnxiǎoshīdà to save a little only to lose a lot (idiom) 娴熟 xiánshú adept / skilled 三天两头 sāntiānliǎngtóu lit. twice every three days (idiom); practically every day / frequently 风采 fēngcǎi svelte / elegant manner / graceful bearing 中纪委 Zhōngjìwěi Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), organization within the CCP which investigates corruption and other wrongdoing among Party cadres / abbr. for 中共中央紀律檢查委員會｜中共中央纪律检查委员会 由不得 yóubùde to be beyond control of 等闲之辈 děngxiánzhībèi (in the negative) (not) to be trifled with 犟 jiàng variant of 強｜强, stubborn / obstinate / tenacious / unbending / pig-headed 孽缘 nièyuán ill-fated relationship 风口浪尖 fēngkǒulàngjiān where the wind and the waves are the fiercest / at the heart of the struggle 退缩 tuìsuō to shrink back / to cower 惹祸 rěhuò to stir up trouble / to invite disaster 为所欲为 wéisuǒyùwéi to do whatever one pleases 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 11, 2017 at 07:31 AM Report Share Posted August 11, 2017 at 07:31 AM Episode 27 早知今日何必当初 zǎozhījīnrìhébìdāngchū if I (you, she, he...) had known it would come to this, I (you, she, he...) would not have acted thus (idiom) / to regret vainly one's past behavior 开拓 kāituò to break new ground (for agriculture) / to open up (a new seam) / to develop (border regions) / fig. to open up (new horizons) 廉 lián incorruptible / honest / inexpensive / to investigate (old) / side wall of a traditional Chinese house (old) 疑惑 yíhuò to doubt / to distrust / unconvincing / to puzzle over / misgivings / suspicions 人不知鬼不觉 rénbùzhīguǐbùjué in absolute secrecy 访贫问苦 fǎngpínwènkǔ to visit the poor and ask about their suffering (idiom) 狮子大开口 shīzidàkāikǒu to be greedy and demand an exorbitant price 正大光明 zhèngdàguāngmíng just and honorable 以天下为己任 yǐtiānxiàwéijǐrèn to take upon oneself responsibility for the prosperity of the nation 促膝谈心 cùxītánxīn to sit side-by-side and have a heart-to-heart talk (idiom) 引咎 yǐnjiù to take the blame / to accept responsibility (for a mistake) 偿命 chángmìng to pay with one's life 下海 xiàhǎi to go out to sea / to enter the sea (to swim etc) / (fig.) to take the plunge (e.g. leave a secure job, or enter prostitution etc) 善罢甘休 shànbàgānxiū to leave the matter at that / to be prepared to let go / to be willing to take things lying down 身临其境 shēnlínqíjìng to travel to a place personally (idiom) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 15, 2017 at 11:33 AM Report Share Posted August 15, 2017 at 11:33 AM Episode 28 说三道四 shuōsāndàosì to make thoughtless remarks (idiom) / to criticize / gossip 威信 wēixìn prestige / reputation / trust / credit with the people 轻重 qīngzhòng degree of seriousness / whether sth is slight or serious 任劳任怨 rènláorènyuàn to undertake a task despite criticism (idiom); to bear the burden of office willingly 勤政廉政 qínzhèngliánzhèng honest and industrious government functionaries (idiom) 底朝天 dǐcháotiān upside down / upturned 埋没 máimò to engulf / to bury / to overlook / to stifle / to neglect / to fall into oblivion 团结 tuánjié to unite / unity / solidarity / united 五湖四海 wǔhúsìhǎi all parts of the country 肆意妄为 sìyìwàngwéi to behave unscrupulously 丧钟 sāngzhōng knell 海蛎子 hǎilìzi oyster 受虐狂 shòunüèkuáng masochism / masochist 上交 shàngjiāo to hand over to / to give to higher authority 如若 rúruò if 乱点鸳鸯 luàndiǎnyuānyāng mismatch (or mistake) a man and woman for a couple 血本无归 xuèběnwúguī to lose one's life savings (e.g. after a bankruptcy) / no return for one's hard-earned savings 看守所 kānshǒusuǒ detention center 悖论 bèilùn paradox (logic) 惠 huì favor / benefit / to bestow / (literary) benevolence /(honorific) 包拯 Bāo Zhěng Bao Zheng (999-1062), Northern Song official renowned for his honesty / modern day metaphor for an honest politician 博爱 bó'ài universal fraternity (or brotherhood) / universal love 融洽 róngqià harmonious / friendly relations / on good terms with one another 同床异梦 tóngchuángyìmèng lit. to share the same bed with different dreams (idiom); ostensible partners with different agendas / strange bedfellows / marital dissension 即兴 jíxìng improvisation (in the arts) / impromptu / extemporaneous 无妨 wúfáng no harm (in doing it) / One might as well. / It won't hurt. / no matter / it's no bother 刺猬 cìwei hedgehog 敞开 chǎngkāi to open wide / unrestrictedly 心扉 xīnfēi inner heart / soul 周旋 zhōuxuán to mix with others / to socialize / to deal with / to contend 苛刻 kēkè harsh / severe / demanding 愧对 kuìduì ashamed to face 唯美 wéiměi aesthetics 抒情 shūqíng to express emotion / lyric 相见恨晚 xiāngjiànhènwǎn to regret not having met earlier (idiom); It is nice to meet you finally. / It feels like we have known each other all along. 手铐 shǒukào manacles / handcuffs 惨淡 cǎndàn dark / gloomy / dismal / by painstaking effort 广厦万间，夜眠七尺；良田千顷，日仅三餐 no matter how may rooms your mansion has you can only sleep in one bed a night, no matter how much farmland you have you can only eat 3 meals a day ( i.e. don't be greedy) 顷 qǐng unit of area equal to 100 畝｜亩 or 6.67 hectares / a short while / a little while ago / circa. (for approximate dates) 怜悯 liánmǐn to take pity on / pity / mercy 敬畏 jìngwèi to revere 兼而有之 jiān'éryǒuzhī to have both (at the same time) 高瞻远瞩 gāozhānyuǎnzhǔ to stand tall and see far (idiom); taking the long and broad view / acute foresight 王法 wángfǎ the law / the law of the land / the law of a state (in former times) / criterion 闪烁 shǎnshuò flickering / twinkling / evasive / vague (of speech) 吃请 chīqǐng to be a guest at a dinner party / to be wined and dined (as a bribe) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 16, 2017 at 02:08 PM Report Share Posted August 16, 2017 at 02:08 PM Episode 29 风声鹤唳 fēngshēnghèlì lit. wind sighing and crane calling (idiom) / fig. to panic at the slightest move / to be jittery 说一不二 shuōyībù'èr to say one and mean just that (idiom); to keep one's word 犯不上 fànbushàng not worthwhile 惹火上身 rěhuǒshàngshēn stir up the fire and you get burnt (idiom); to get one's fingers burnt / fig. to suffer on account of one's own meddling 动静 dòngjìng sound of activity or people talking / news of activity 假公济私 jiǎgōngjìsī official authority used for private interests (idiom); to attain private ends by abusing public position 心梗 xīngěng abbr. for 心肌梗塞, myocardial infarction / heart attack 传达 chuándá to pass on / to convey / to relay / to transmit / transmission 圣旨 shèngzhǐ imperial edict 投鼠忌器 tóushǔjìqì lit. to refrain from shooting at the rat for fear of breaking the vases (idiom) / to not act against an evil so as to prevent harm to innocents 表彰 biǎozhāng to honor / to commend / to cite (in dispatches) 老资格 lǎozīgé veteran 保驾 bǎojià escort the Emperor (also used jocularly) 护航 hùháng a naval escort / to convoy 行政 xíngzhèng administrative / executive (attributive) 捅娄子 tǒnglóuzi to make a mess of sth 牛皮 niúpí cowhide / leather / fig. flexible and tough / boasting / big talk 带头 dàitóu to take the lead / to be the first / to set an example 逃荒 táohuāng to escape from a famine / to get away from a famine-stricken region 遭殃 zāoyāng to suffer a calamity 买通 mǎitōng to bribe 拍板 pāibǎn clapper-board / auctioneer's hammer / to beat time with clappers 前腐后继 qiánfǔhòujì describes a situation where successive holders of a certain position are all eventually fired for corruption 无动于衷 wúdòngyúzhōng aloof / indifferent / unconcerned 司空见惯 sīkōngjiànguàn a common occurrence (idiom) 畅所欲言 chàngsuǒyùyán lit. fluently saying all one wants (idiom); to preach freely on one's favorite topic / to hold forth to one's heart's content 宝塔 bǎotǎ pagoda 靠拢 kàolǒng to draw close to 阴沉沉 yīnchénchén dark (weather, mood) 瘆 shèn to terrify 返点 fǎndiǎn sales bonus / affiliate reward / rebate / commission 属实 shǔshí to turn out to be true / verified / true 降职 jiàngzhí to demote (to a lower rank) 知无不言，言无不尽 zhīwúbùyán, yánwúbùjìn not hiding anything he knows, not stopping before he has said it through (idiom) / frank / outspoken 言者无罪，闻者足戒 yánzhěwúzuì, wénzhězújiè don't blame the speaker, take note of his warning (idiom); an exhortation to speak one's mind without fear of reprisals, and with the expectation of being taken seriously 打棍子 dǎgùnzi to bludgeon / to hit with a big stick, criticise unsparingly or unfoundedly 辩证法 biànzhèngfǎ dialectics / dialectic or Socratic method of debate 情有可原 qíngyǒukěyuán pardonable (of interruption, misunderstanding etc) 楷模 kǎimó model / example 诡辩 guǐbiàn specious arguments / sophistry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 17, 2017 at 03:08 PM Report Share Posted August 17, 2017 at 03:08 PM Episode 30 套近乎 tàojìnhū to worm one's way into being friends with sb (usually derogatory) 依附 yīfù to adhere / to attach oneself to / to append 德才兼备 décáijiānbèi having both integrity and talent (idiom) 慰问 wèiwèn to express sympathy, greetings, consolation etc 伎俩 jìliǎng trick / scheme / ploy / tactic / stratagem / gimmick / ruse / trickery / skill / also written 技倆｜技俩 扎实 zhāshi strong / solid / sturdy / firm / practical 活跃 huóyuè active / lively / excited / to enliven / to brighten up 装疯卖傻 zhuāngfēngmàishǎ to play the fool (idiom) / to feign madness 触目惊心 chùmùjīngxīn lit. shocks the eye, astonishes the heart (idiom); shocking / horrible to see / a ghastly sight 不露声色 bùlùshēngsè not show one's feeling or intentions 执迷不悟 zhímíbùwù to obstinately persist in going about things the wrong way (idiom) 见风使舵 jiànfēngshǐduò lit. see the wind and set the helm (idiom); fig. to act pragmatically / to be flexible and take advantage of the situation 马前卒 mǎqiánzú lackey / errand boy / lit. runner before a carriage 知其不可而为之 zhīqíbùkě'érwéizhī to keep going resolutely despite knowing the task is impossible (idiom) - in the show the character actually says 明知不可为而为之, but google keeps redirecting me to 知其不可而为之, so I assume that they are different versions of the same phrase 板上钉钉 bǎnshàngdìngdīng that clinches it / that's final / no two ways about it 一失足成千古恨 yīshīzúchéngqiāngǔhèn a single slip may cause everlasting sorrow (idiom) 一文不值 yīwénbùzhí worthless (idiom) / no use whatsoever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 21, 2017 at 08:02 PM Report Share Posted August 21, 2017 at 08:02 PM Episode 31 跌眼镜 diēyǎnjìng to be taken aback 任人唯贤 rènrénwéixián to appoint people according to their merits (idiom); appointment on the basis of ability and integrity 武断 wǔduàn arbitrary / subjective / dogmatic 朕 zhèn I / we (imperial use) / subtle 受累 shòulèi to get dragged into / to get involved (on sb else's account 摆平 bǎipíng to be fair / to be impartial / to settle (a matter etc) 咬紧牙关 yǎojǐnyáguān lit. to bite the teeth tightly (idiom); fig. to grit one's teeth and bear the pain / to bite the bullet 轰走 hōngzǒu to drive away 识趣 shíqù tactful / discreet 远房 yuǎnfáng distantly related / a distant relative 轮奸 lúnjiān to gang rape 黄花闺女 huánghuāguīnǚ maiden / virgin 油盐不进 yóuyánbùjìn to not listen to the entreaties of others 六亲不认 liùqīnbùrèn not recognizing one's family (idiom); self-centered and not making any allowances for the needs of one's relatives 纳闷 nàmèn puzzled / bewildered 火化 huǒhuà to cremate / to incinerate 与其 yǔqí rather than... / 與其｜与其 A 不如 B (rather than A, better to B) 遗照 yízhào picture of the deceased 抚恤金 fǔxùjīn compensation payment (for injury) / relief payment 合不拢口 hébùlǒngkǒu unable to conceal one's happiness, amazement, shock etc / grinning from ear to ear / mouth agape / gobsmacked 盯梢 dīngshāo to follow sb / to tail / to shadow 以绝后患 yǐjuéhòuhuàn to deal with an issue now to prevent future trouble 报仇雪恨 bàochóuxuěhèn to take revenge and wipe out a grudge (idiom) 提成 tíchéng to take a percentage 狙击 jūjī to snipe (shoot from hiding) 步枪 bùqiāng rifle / CL: 把, 枝 今非昔比 jīnfēixībǐ things are very different now (idiom) / times have changed 招摇 zhāoyáo to act ostentatiously / to brag / to show off 相安无事 xiāng'ānwúshì to live together in harmony 间接 jiànjiē indirect 冤家 yuānjia enemy / foe / (in opera) sweetheart or destined love 聚头 jùtóu to meet / to get together 不是冤家不聚头 bùshìyuānjiābùjùtóu destiny will make enemies meet (idiom) / (often said about lovers who have a disagreement) 殚精竭虑 dānjīngjiélǜ to exhaust one's thoughts and ingenuity (idiom); to think sth through thoroughly / to rack one's brains / to leave no stone unturned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 23, 2017 at 01:27 PM Report Share Posted August 23, 2017 at 01:27 PM Episode 32 沾亲带故 zhānqīndàigù related in some way, have ties of kinship or friendship 花样百出 huāyàngbǎichū a wide variety 一人得道，鸡犬升天 yīréndédào, jīquǎnshēngtiān lit. when a man achieves the Dao, his poultry and dogs rise to Heaven (idiom) / fig. to ride on sb else's success / Once one man gets a government position, all his cronies get in too / Once sb has cracked the problem, every Tom, Dick and Harry can do it 百口莫辩 bǎikǒumòbiàn unable to defend oneself even if one had 100 mouths (when treated unjustly or wrongly accused) 嘲讽 cháofěng to sneer at / to ridicule / to taunt 痛恨 tònghèn to detest / to loathe / to abhor 捣鬼 dǎoguǐ to play tricks / to cause mischief 例行 lìxíng routine (task, procedure etc) / as usual 传讯 chuánxùn to summon (a witness) / to subpoena 溜之大吉 liūzhīdàjí to steal away / to beat it 涉世 shèshì to see the world / to go out into society / to gain experience 诧异 chàyì flabbergasted / astonished 将军 jiāngjūn to check or checkmate / fig. to embarrass / to challenge / to put sb on the spot 考证 kǎozhèng to do textual research / to make textual criticism 疏漏 shūlòu to slip / to overlook by negligence / careless omission / oversight 当下 dāngxià immediately / at once / at that moment / at the moment 发家致富 fājiāzhìfù to become rich / enrichment 巧取豪夺 qiǎoqǔháoduó secure (sb.'s belongings, rights, etc.) by force or trickery 雅观 yǎguān elegant and tasteful 记载 jìzǎi to write down / to record / written account 诽谤 fěibàng to slander / to libel 抛头颅，洒热血 pāotóulú，sǎrèxuè shed one's blood and lay down one's life (for a just cause) 坐享其成 zuòxiǎngqíchéng to reap where one has not sown (idiom) 幽灵 yōulíng specter / apparition / ghost 剿灭 jiǎomiè to eliminate (by armed force) 教皇 Jiàohuáng Roman Catholic pope / Supreme Pontiff 沙皇 shāhuáng czar (loanword) 梅特涅 Méitèniè Klemens von Metternich (a German diplomat and statesman and one of the most important diplomats of his era, serving as the Austrian Empire's Foreign Minister from 1809 and Chancellor from 1821 until the liberal revolutions of 1848 forced his resignation) 基佐 jīzuǒ a French historian, orator, and statesman. Guizot was a dominant figure in French politics prior to the Revolution of 1848. 激进 jījìn radical / extreme / extremist 枷锁 jiāsuǒ stocks and chain / in fetters 撤离 chèlí to withdraw from / to evacuate 账面 zhàngmiàn an item in accounts / an entry 抹平 mǒpíng to flatten / to level / to smooth out 短路 duǎnlù short circuit 流畅 liúchàng flowing (of speech, writing) / fluent / smooth and easy 背诵 bèisòng to recite / to repeat from memory 功底 gōngdǐ training in the basic skills / knowledge of the fundamentals 得益 déyì to derive benefit 回旋 huíxuán to turn around / maneuvering room / leeway 姑且 gūqiě for the time being / tentatively 挡箭牌 dǎngjiànpái shield / (fig.) excuse 陈述 chénshù an assertion / to declare / to state 侬 nóng you (Wu dialect) / I, me (classical) 置之不理 zhìzhībùlǐ to pay no heed to (idiom) / to ignore / to brush aside 攻破 gōngpò to make a breakthrough / to break through / to breach (military) 写字楼 xiězìlóu office building 事必躬亲 shìbìgōngqīn to attend to everything personally 提纲 tígāng outline / synopsis / notes 宽心 kuānxīn relieved / comforted / to relieve anxieties / at ease / relaxed / reassuring / happy 猖狂 chāngkuáng savage / furious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 23, 2017 at 01:37 PM Report Share Posted August 23, 2017 at 01:37 PM Episode 33 项庄舞剑 Xiàng Zhuāngwǔjiàn lit. Xiang Zhuang performs the sword dance, but his mind is set on Liu Bang 劉邦｜刘邦 (idiom, refers to plot to kill Liu Bang during Feast at Hongmen 鴻門宴｜鸿门宴 in 206 BC) / fig. an elaborate deception hiding malicious intent 心狠手辣 xīnhěnshǒulà vicious and merciless (idiom) 于连 yúlián Julian, a character in the 19th century French novel The Red and the Black. It chronicles the attempts of a provincial young man (Julian) to rise socially beyond his modest upbringing through a combination of talent, hard work, deception, and hypocrisy. He ultimately allows his passions to betray him. 违心 wéixīn false / untrue to one's convictions / against one's will / disloyal 围拢 wéilǒng to crowd around 神情 shénqíng look / expression 不解 bùjiě to not understand / to be puzzled by / indissoluble 混沌 hùndùn primal chaos / formless mass before creation in Chinese mythology / muddled / innocent as a baby 深山 shēnshān deep in the mountains 旷野 kuàngyě wilderness 良久 liángjiǔ a good while / a long time 沉甸甸 chéndiàndiàn heavy 浅见 qiǎnjiàn shallow opinion / humble opinion 充当 chōngdāng to serve as / to act as / to play the role of 澎湃 péngpài to surge 悚然 sǒngrán frightened / terrified 看破红尘 kānpòhóngchén to see through the world of mortals (idiom, of Buddhist monk) / disillusioned with human society / to reject the world for a monastic life 何尝 hécháng (rhetorical question) when? / how? / it's not that... 注定 zhùdìng to foreordain / to be bound to / to be destined to / to be doomed to / inevitably 正午 zhèngwǔ midday / noon / noonday 不济 bùjì not good / of no use 由衷 yóuzhōng heartfelt / sincere / unfeigned 抵达 dǐdá to arrive / to reach (a destination) 躯壳 qūqiào the body (housing the soul) 头悬梁，锥刺股 tóuxuánliáng, zhuīcìgǔ lit. with his head attached to a beam and stabbing his thigh with an awl (idiom) / fig. to study assiduously and tirelessly 臭味相投 chòuwèixiāngtóu to share vile habits / partners in notoriety / birds of a feather 失身 shīshēn to lose one's virginity / to lose one's chastity 交底 jiāodǐ to fill sb in (on the details of sth) / to put all one's cards on the table # 栽赃 zāizāng to frame sb (by planting sth on them) 阀门 fámén valve (mechanical) 听天由命 tīngtiānyóumìng to submit to the will of heaven / to resign oneself to fate / to trust to luck 铤而走险 tǐng'érzǒuxiǎn to take a risk out of desperation (idiom) 旁敲侧击 pángqiāocèjī to make insinuations / to take an indirect approach (in making inquiries) (idiom) 树大根深 shùdàgēnshēn big tree with deep roots (said of an influential person or a huge organisation) 叙 xù to narrate / to chat 雄赳赳 xióngjiūjiū valiantly / gallantly 嗅 xiù to smell / to sniff / to nose 就事论事 jiùshìlùnshì to discuss sth on its own merits / to judge the matter as it stands 撂 liào to put down / to leave behind / to throw or knock down / to abandon or discard 当断则断 dāngduànzéduàn to make a decision when it's time to decide 万劫不复 wànjiébùfù consigned to eternal damnation / with no hope of reprieve 杀气 shāqì murderous spirit / aura of death / to vent one's anger 狐假虎威 hújiǎhǔwēi lit. the fox exploits the tiger's might (idiom); fig. to use powerful connections to intimidate people 斗心眼 dǒuxīnyǎn fight a battle of wits 不看僧面看佛面 bùkànsēngmiànkànFómiàn Buddha / Buddhism not for the monk's sake , but for the Buddha's – (do something for somebody) out of deference to somebody else 随员 suíyuán attendant 如雷贯耳 rúléiguàn'ěr lit. like thunder piercing the ear / a well-known reputation (idiom) 益虫 yìchóng beneficial insect 贼心不死 zéixīnbùsǐ refuse to give up on one's evil designs 卧底 wòdǐ to hide (as an undercover agent) / an insider (in a gang of thieves) / a mole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StChris Posted August 24, 2017 at 01:28 PM Report Share Posted August 24, 2017 at 01:28 PM Episode 34 戒严 jièyán to impose martial law / to impose emergency measures 巴结 bājie to fawn on / to curry favor with / to make up to 身价 shēnjià social status / price of a slave / price of a person (a sportsman etc) / worth / value (of stocks, valuables etc) 先锋 xiānfēng vanguard / pioneer 竞标 jìngbiāo compete for a bid 请便 qǐngbiàn Please do as you wish! / You are welcome to do whatever you like! / Please make yourself at home 诡谲 guǐjué weird / sly / treacherous 所作所为 suǒzuòsuǒwéi one's conduct and deeds 打包票 dǎbāopiào to vouch for / to guarantee 告状 gàozhuàng to tell on sb / to complain (to a teacher, a superior etc) / to bring a lawsuit 弥天 mítiān filling the entire sky / covering everything (of fog, crime, disaster etc) 亲信 qīnxìn trusted aide 无可奉告 wúkěfènggào (idiom) "no comment" 身居要职 shēnjūyàozhí hold an important post 火拼 huǒpīn fight openly (between factions) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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