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半斤八两

Meaning: Six of one, half a dozen of the other — equally bad.

Language: Chinese

Literally: Half a jin, eight liang

Category: Daily Life

Origin: Chinese measurement system where 1 jin = 16 liang, so half a jin = 8 liang.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • Met de deur in huis vallen — To get straight to the point without any preamble.
  • नाच न जाने आंगन टेढ़ा — A bad workman blames his tools.
  • على قد لحافك مد رجليك — Live within your means.
  • C'est la croix et la bannière — It is an enormous effort or ordeal.
  • Faire d'une pierre deux coups — To kill two birds with one stone.
  • être sur des charbons ardents — Being extremely anxious or impatient about something.

More Chinese idioms

  • 臥虎藏龍 — Hidden talented individuals waiting quietly for their moment to shine.
  • 马马虎虎 — So-so; careless and only just passable.
  • 拍马屁 — To flatter or suck up to someone.
  • 亡羊补牢 — It's not too late to act after a setback to prevent further loss.
  • 杯弓蛇影 — To frighten yourself with imaginary fears.
  • 胸有成竹 — To have a well-formed plan ready before you begin.

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