Globally, tigers are a symbol of strength, courage, and power. In China, the symbol of the Tiger is further strengthened by its regular appearance in literature, language expressions, art, and astrology.
What’s perhaps the most remarkable is that tigers often appear in Chinese saying (Cheng Yu) related to power. Below we’ve listed the most common ones with a short explanation of their meaning. They’re actually really fun! And if you’re studying Chinese, trying to use these in public will really impress. If you’re looking for insights into Chinese culture, these sayings are really worth to understand as well.
The fox uses the tiger’s power to bully other animals
狐假虎威 (hú jiǎ hǔ wēi): It’s used to describe a person who relies on the power of others to oppress and intimidate people.
The tiger left the mountains and came to the flatland and got trapped
虎落平阳 (hǔ luò píng yáng): It’s used to describe a person who loses power.
To escape from the tiger’s mouth with one’s life
虎口余生 (hǔ kǒu yú shēng): It is used when a person escaped from a very dangerous situation and survived.
One wants to draw a tiger but ends up looking like a dog
画虎类犬 (huà hǔ lèi quǎn): It is used when a person tries to imitate someone else but fails.
Riding on the back of a tiger, but not being able to get off
骑虎难下 (qí hǔ nán xià): It’s used to describe being caught in a dilemma: a situation in which it is difficult to continue doing something, but it does not allow one to stop midway.
So those where the 5 coolest Tiger sayings. Do you know more fun tiger Chengyu? Feel free to share them in the comment section below, and perhaps we’ll add the to this article!
