More and More Idioms...
- Owen Nash
- Jan 24
- 4 min read
1. All we have is now
Question: What does "all we have is now" mean?
Answers:
a) Only the present moment matters.
b) Everything is lost.
c) We own everything.
d) The future is uncertain.
Correct Answer: a) Only the present moment matters.
Meaning:
English: A reminder to focus on the present and appreciate the current moment.
Traditional Chinese: 活在當下，珍惜現在。
Simplified Chinese: 活在当下，珍惜现在。
Examples:
Stop worrying about tomorrow; all we have is now.
They decided to enjoy their vacation fully because all we have is now.
2. Go big or go home
Question: What does "go big or go home" mean?
Answers:
a) Give your best effort or don’t bother trying.
b) Leave immediately.
c) Always aim for home.
d) Focus on small goals.
Correct Answer: a) Give your best effort or don’t bother trying.
Meaning:
English: To put in maximum effort or not attempt at all.
Traditional Chinese: 盡全力或乾脆不做。
Simplified Chinese: 尽全力或干脆不做。
Examples:
The team’s motto was always “go big or go home” during competitions.
If you’re going to take a risk, go big or go home.
3. Live and learn
Question: What does "live and learn" mean?
Answers:
a) Learn from life experiences.
b) Continue living without learning.
c) Teach others to live.
d) Life is easy to understand.
Correct Answer: a) Learn from life experiences.
Meaning:
English: To gain knowledge through experiences, especially mistakes.
Traditional Chinese: 從生活中吸取教訓或學到經驗。
Simplified Chinese: 从生活中吸取教训或学到经验。
Examples:
I made a mistake on the project, but you live and learn.
You live and learn; next time, I’ll double-check the details.
4. Conquer from within
Question: What does "conquer from within" mean?
Answers:
a) Overcome inner struggles.
b) Dominate externally.
c) Win battles with others.
d) Achieve goals through shortcuts.
Correct Answer: a) Overcome inner struggles.
Meaning:
English: To achieve personal growth or strength by addressing internal challenges.
Traditional Chinese: 征服內心的掙扎或挑戰。
Simplified Chinese: 征服内心的挣扎或挑战。
Examples:
True strength comes when you conquer from within.
Before tackling external problems, learn to conquer from within.
5. Easier said than done
Question: What does "easier said than done" mean?
Answers:
a) Something is difficult to achieve despite sounding simple.
b) Simple and easy to accomplish.
c) Said without effort.
d) Impossible to say.
Correct Answer: a) Something is difficult to achieve despite sounding simple.
Meaning:
English: It’s easy to talk about something, but harder to accomplish it.
Traditional Chinese: 說起來容易做起來難。
Simplified Chinese: 说起来容易做起来难。
Examples:
Fixing the economy is easier said than done.
Losing weight is easier said than done for many people.
6. Years bring wisdom
Question: What does "years bring wisdom" mean?
Answers:
a) Wisdom increases with age and experience.
b) Wisdom is natural at birth.
c) Age is unrelated to wisdom.
d) Wisdom diminishes over time.
Correct Answer: a) Wisdom increases with age and experience.
Meaning:
English: With time and experience, people gain knowledge and understanding.
Traditional Chinese: 年齡與經驗帶來智慧。
Simplified Chinese: 年龄与经验带来智慧。
Examples:
He often says, “years bring wisdom” when giving advice.
Over time, she realized that years bring wisdom to handle challenges better.
7. Live long and prosper
Question: What does "live long and prosper" mean?
Answers:
a) Have a successful and long life.
b) Focus on prosperity over health.
c) Avoid taking risks.
d) Only aim to live longer.
Correct Answer: a) Have a successful and long life.
Meaning:
English: A wish for health, longevity, and success.
Traditional Chinese: 祝願健康長壽與成功。
Simplified Chinese: 祝愿健康长寿与成功。
Examples:
He raised his glass and said, “Live long and prosper!”
It’s a traditional blessing to say, “live long and prosper.”
8. The best is yet to come
Question: What does "the best is yet to come" mean?
Answers:
a) The future holds better things.
b) The worst is over.
c) Nothing will improve.
d) The present is the best moment.
Correct Answer: a) The future holds better things.
Meaning:
English: A belief that greater achievements or experiences are still ahead.
Traditional Chinese: 未來會更美好。
Simplified Chinese: 未来会更美好。
Examples:
Don’t lose hope; the best is yet to come.
The team believes the best is yet to come after their recent success.
9. Look before you leap
Question: What does "look before you leap" mean?
Answers:
a) Think carefully before taking action.
b) Jump without hesitation.
c) Avoid looking back.
d) Leap without planning.
Correct Answer: a) Think carefully before taking action.
Meaning:
English: To consider the consequences before making decisions.
Traditional Chinese: 三思而後行。
Simplified Chinese: 三思而后行。
Examples:
Always look before you leap when investing your money.
He learned to look before he leaped after his last mistake.
10. Every dog has its day
Question: What does "every dog has its day" mean?
Answers:
a) Everyone gets a chance at success.
b) Dogs enjoy their lives once a year.
c) All days are lucky for dogs.d) Success is rare.
Correct Answer: a) Everyone gets a chance at success.
Meaning:
English: Everyone will have their moment of success or recognition eventually.
Traditional Chinese: 每個人都有成功的時刻。
Simplified Chinese: 每个人都有成功的时刻。
Examples:
Don’t lose hope; every dog has its day.
She reminded her team that every dog has its day and to keep working hard.
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