4 characters Idiom and proverb 27 749

We’re offering free resources to help you learn Chinese. In this series, idioms and proverbs take center stage, known for their deep meanings and versatile usage. Today’s idiom is 「龜玉毀櫝」, explained below.

The idiom 「龜玉毀櫝」 we’re featuring is explained below, showcasing its meaning and usage.

The tortoise shell and precious jade were destroyed in the box. It is a metaphor that the country’s fortune is ruined due to the dereliction of duty by the assistant ministers.

The Mandarin pronunciation of this idiom is :

guī yù huì dú

while its Cantonese pinyin is :

gwai1 yuk6 wai2 duk6

The sheer number of Chinese idioms and their varied meanings make them fascinating to study. Let these materials assist you as you advance your Chinese skills and understanding.