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
依样画葫芦
yī yàng huà hú lu
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1 lit. to draw a gourd from the model (idiom)
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2 fig. to copy sth mechanically without attempt at originality
依葫芦画瓢
yī hú lu huà piáo
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1 lit. to draw a dipper with a gourd as one's model (idiom)
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2 fig. to follow the existing pattern without modification
功德圆满
gōng dé yuán mǎn
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1 virtuous achievements come to their successful conclusion (idiom)
外圆内方
wài yuán nèi fāng
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1 lit. outside-flexible, inside-firm (idiom)
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2 fig. velvet glove
指手画脚
zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo
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1 to gesticulate while talking (idiom)
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2 to explain by waving one's hands
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3 to criticize or give orders summarily
方枘圆凿
fāng ruì yuán záo
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1 to put a square peg in a round hole
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2 incompatible (idiom)
没有规矩，不成方圆
méi yǒu guī ju , bù chéng fāng yuán
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1 without rules, nothing can be done (idiom); one must follow some rules
没有规矩，何以成方圆
méi yǒu guī ju , hé yǐ chéng fāng yuán
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1 without rules, how can anything be done (idiom); one must follow some rules
照葫芦画瓢
zhào hú lu huà piáo
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1 lit. to draw a dipper with a gourd as a model (idiom)
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2 fig. to copy slavishly
照猫画虎
zhào māo huà hǔ
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1 lit. drawing a tiger using a cat as a model (idiom); fig. to follow a model and get things more or less right but without capturing the spirit of the subject
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2 uninspired imitation
画地为牢
huà dì wéi láo
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1 lit. to be confined within a circle drawn on the ground (idiom)
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2 fig. to confine oneself to a restricted range of activities
画地自限
huà dì zì xiàn
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1 lit. to draw a line on the ground to keep within (idiom)
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2 fig. to impose restrictions on oneself
画荻教子
huà dí jiào zǐ
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1 to write on the sand with reeds while teaching one's son (idiom)
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2 mother's admirable dedication to her children's education
画虎类犬
huà hǔ lèi quǎn
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1 drawing a tiger like a dog (idiom); to make a fool of oneself by excessive ambition
画蛇添足
huà shé tiān zú
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1 lit. draw legs on a snake (idiom); fig. to ruin the effect by adding sth superfluous
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2 to overdo it
画饼充饥
huà bǐng chōng jī
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1 lit. to allay one's hunger using a picture of a cake
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2 to feed on illusions (idiom)
画龙点睛
huà lóng diǎn jīng
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1 to paint a dragon and dot in the eyes (idiom); fig. to add the vital finishing touch
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2 the crucial point that brings the subject to life
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3 a few words to clinch the point
破镜重圆
pò jìng chóng yuán
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1 a shattered mirror put back together (idiom)
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2 (of marriage) to pick up the pieces and start anew
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3 for a separated couple to reconcile and reunite
花好月圆
huā hǎo yuè yuán
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1 lit. lovely flowers, round moon (idiom); fig. everything is wonderful
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2 perfect happiness
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3 conjugal bliss