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
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)
价廉物美
jià lián wù měi
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1 inexpensive and of good quality (idiom)
两全其美
liǎng quán qí měi
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1 to satisfy rival demands (idiom)
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2 to get the best of both worlds
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3 to have it both ways
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4 to have one's cake and eat it too
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
十全十美
shí quán shí měi
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1 complete and beautiful
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2 to be perfect (idiom)
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
天公不作美
tiān gōng bù zuò měi
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1 Heaven is not cooperating (idiom)
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2 the weather is not favorable for the planned activity
天公作美
tiān gōng zuò měi
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1 Heaven is cooperating (idiom)
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2 the weather is favorable for the planned activity (a variation of 天公不作美|天公不作美[tiān gōng bù zuò měi])
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)
专美于前
zhuān měi yú qián
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1 to monopolize the limelight (idiom)
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2 to get all the glory
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3 to rank highest
左右逢源
zuǒ yòu féng yuán
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1 lit. to strike water right and left (idiom)
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2 fig. to turn everything into gold
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3 to have everything going one's way
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4 to benefit from both sides
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)
爱美之心,人皆有之
ài měi zhī xīn , rén jiē yǒu zhī
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1 everyone loves beauty (idiom)
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.
按部就班
àn bù jiù bān
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1 to follow the prescribed order; to keep to the working routine (idiom)
推贤让能
tuī xián ràng néng
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1 to cede to the virtuous and yield to the talented (idiom)
有钱能使鬼推磨
yǒu qián néng shǐ guǐ tuī mò
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1 lit. money will make the Devil turn millstones (idiom)
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2 fig. with money, you can do anything you like