不以规矩,不能成方圆
bù yǐ guī ju , bù néng chéng fāng yuán
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1 without rules, nothing can be done (idiom, from Mencius); one must follow some rules
世代相传
shì dài xiāng chuán
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1 passed on from generation to generation (idiom); to hand down
人不可貌相,海水不可斗量
rén bù kě mào xiàng , hǎi shuǐ bù kě dǒu liáng
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1 you can't judge a person by appearance, just as you can't measure the sea with a pint pot (idiom)
代代相传
dài dài xiāng chuán
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1 passed on from generation to generation (idiom); to hand down
以言代法
yǐ yán dài fǎ
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1 to substitute one's words for the law (idiom); high-handedly putting one's orders above the law
以言代法,以权压法
yǐ yán dài fǎ , yǐ quán yā fǎ
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1 to substitute one's words for the law and abuse power to crush it (idiom); completely lawless behavior
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2 Might makes right.
任贤使能
rèn xián shǐ néng
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1 to appoint the virtuous and use the able (idiom); appointment on the basis of ability and integrity
倘能如此
tǎng néng rú cǐ
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1 if it is possible (idiom)
力所能及
lì suǒ néng jí
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1 as far as one's capabilities extend (idiom); to the best of one's ability
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2 within one's powers
功德无量
gōng dé wú liàng
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1 no end of virtuous achievements (idiom); boundless beneficence
包办代替
bāo bàn dài tì
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1 to do everything oneself (idiom); not to allow others in on the act
各尽所能
gè jìn suǒ néng
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1 each does his utmost (idiom)
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2 from each according to his means
妒能害贤
dù néng hài xián
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1 jealous of the able, envious of the clever (idiom)
妒贤忌能
dù xián jì néng
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1 to envy the virtuous and talented (idiom)
容华绝代
róng huá jué dài
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1 to be blessed with rare and radiant beauty (idiom)
富不过三代
fù bù guò sān dài
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1 wealth never survives three generations (idiom)
宽宏大量
kuān hóng dà liàng
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1 magnanimous (idiom); generous
德薄能鲜
dé bó néng xiǎn
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1 little virtue and meager abilities (idiom); I'm a humble person and not much use at anything (Song writer Ouyang Xiu 欧阳修)
爱莫能助
ài mò néng zhù
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1 unable to help however much one would like to (idiom); Although we sympathize, there is no way to help you.
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2 My hands are tied.
推贤让能
tuī xián ràng néng
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1 to cede to the virtuous and yield to the talented (idiom)