井底之蛙 jǐng dǐ zhī wā
a person of narrow outlook; someone who cannot see beyond their own small world
Literally: well bottom (particle) frog
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Origin
From the Zhuangzi: a frog in a well boasted of its home to a sea turtle, who described the vastness of the ocean and left the frog speechless.
How to use it
Noun phrase, usually predicate after 是/像; negative. Often 别做井底之蛙.
Example sentences
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- 多出去看看世界，别做井底之蛙。Duō chūqù kànkan shìjiè, bié zuò jǐng dǐ zhī wā.Go out and see the world more; don't be a frog at the bottom of a well.more go-out look world, don't be well bottom (particle) frog
- 以前我像井底之蛙一样，以为自己的小城就是全世界。Yǐqián wǒ xiàng jǐng dǐ zhī wā yīyàng, yǐwéi zìjǐ de xiǎo chéng jiù shì quán shìjiè.I used to be like a frog in a well, thinking my little town was the whole world.before I like well bottom (particle) frog same, think self (particle) small town just is whole world
More chengyu about wisdom & judgement
- 掩耳盗铃yǎn ěr dào língto bury one's head in the sand; to deceive oneself
- 塞翁失马sài wēng shī mǎa blessing in disguise; a setback may turn out to be a benefit
- 旁观者清páng guān zhě qīngthe onlooker sees most clearly; an outsider has a clearer view
- 未雨绸缪wèi yǔ chóu móuto prepare for a rainy day; to take precautions in advance
- 自相矛盾zì xiāng máo dùnself-contradictory; to contradict oneself
- 因小失大yīn xiǎo shī dàto lose big for the sake of something small; penny wise, pound foolish
- 有备无患yǒu bèi wú huànpreparedness averts peril; be prepared and you have nothing to fear
- 三思而行sān sī ér xíngto think carefully before acting; look before you leap