1 add firewood to put out the flames (idiom); fig. ill-advised action that only makes the problem worse
2 to add fuel to the fire
有害无益
yǒu hài wú yì
1 harmful and without benefit (idiom); more harm than good
欲益反损
yù yì fǎn sǔn
1 wishing for profit, but causing loss (idiom); good intentions that lead to disaster
2 It all ends in tears.
满招损,谦受益
mǎn zhāo sǔn , qiān shòu yì
1 (idiom) complacency leads to loss, modesty brings profit
2 pride comes before a fall
为人师表
wéi rén shī biǎo
1 to serve as a model for others (idiom)
2 to be a worthy teacher
益胃生津
yì wèi shēng jīn
1 to benefit the stomach and increase fluids (idiom)
相得益彰
xiāng dé yì zhāng
1 to bring out the best in each other (idiom)
2 to complement one another well
穷当益坚
qióng dāng yì jiān
1 poor but ambitious (idiom); hard-pressed but determined
2 the worse one's position, the harder one must fight back
精益求精
jīng yì qiú jīng
1 to perfect sth that is already outstanding (idiom); constantly improving
老当益壮
lǎo dāng yì zhuàng
1 old but vigorous (idiom); hale and hearty despite the years
良师益友
liáng shī yì yǒu
1 good teacher and helpful friend (idiom); mentor
万世师表
wàn shì shī biǎo
1 model teacher of every age (idiom)
2 eternal paragon
3 refers to Confucius (551-479 BC) 孔子[Kǒng zǐ]
虚有其表
xū yǒu qí biǎo
1 looks impressive but is worthless (idiom)
2 not as good as it looks
3 a reputation with no substance
表里不一
biǎo lǐ bù yī
1 outside appearance and inner reality differ (idiom); not what it seems
2 saying one thing but meaning sth different
表里如一
biǎo lǐ rú yī
1 external appearance and inner thoughts coincide (idiom); to say what one means
2 to think and act as one
裒多益寡
póu duō yì guǎ
1 to take from the rich and give to the poor (idiom)
道高益安,势高益危
dào gāo yì ān , shì gāo yì wēi
1 More moral strength increases one's safety, more power and influence increases one's danger (idiom, from Records of the Historian 史記|史记). cf Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it (William Pitt the Elder, 1770).
金玉其表,败絮其中
jīn yù qí biǎo , bài xù qí zhōng
1 gilded exterior, shabby and ruined on the inside (idiom)
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