For this chengyu, we need to go back to the Battle of Chang Shao 684 BCE to learn how underdog Lu State, by the beat of a drum, out-strategized their bigger and more powerful neighbor to the north.

Here’s another musical chengyu with an injection of sadness. It’s a theme that has inspired movies, plays, and every kind of literature.

This is a nice musical Chinese Saying to describe a soulmate or someone who is appreciative or understanding of a friend (and their talents).

In this week’s musical Chinese Saying we look at the lazy poser Mr. Nanguo and his brief career as a Yu player in an all-Yu Orchestra and the wonderful story that gave us a nice useful saying.

Hopefully, none of us will ever face these circumstances, but when all is lost and you’re surrounded by enemies trying to take you down, remember the Songs of the ancient state of Chu.

If you’ve ever explained yourself or something you’re quite expert in and all you get is a blank stare of complete non-comprehension, this one’s for you – to play a lute to an ox.

Have you ever experienced something, the impact of which lasted well beyond when you saw it or heard it? That’s what today’s particularly useful Chinese Saying is all about.

In this first episode of season 2 of the CSP, time Laszlo digs deep into the Eastern Zhou Dynasty to introduce a Chinese Saying that tells why some music just isn’t for everybody.

In this last episode of the first season of the Chinese Sayings Podcast, Laszlo explains the story behind the loyal official who wagered a dynasty on a single bet.

Laszlo serves up yet another ancient story that teaches us when someone does a kindness, don’t forget to show your gratitude by paying them back one day.