English Recordings

A picture of rice cake.
Used to describe something that you desire, but cannot have.
Pie in the sky.

If one is desperate, one will find a way.
Often used explain one's motivations for coming up with an innovative solution to a problem.
Want makes wit; Necessity is the mother of invention.

A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Used to suggest that an active person will have a more fulfilling life.
A rolling stone gathers no moss.

Writing Chinese characters in front of Confucius.
Used to point out the arrogance of someone trying to teach or beat an expert in the field.
To teach a fish how to swim.

The straight, upright tree is the first to be cut down.
Used to lament the death of an intelligent, upright person.
The good die young.

A hospitalized patient is given methicillin for a suspected staphylococcal infection around a central line insertion site. Approximately one week after beginning treatment, the patient develops signs of acute renal failure, including an increased serum creatinine level. A urine sample shows microscopic hematuria and WBCs, but no bacteria. Methicillin is withdrawn and the patient's renal symptoms soon improve.

Entrust the cat with a fish.
Used to express your doubts about entrusting something to someone who could be easily tempted to abuse that trust.
Have the fox guard the henhouse.

At the end of hardship comes happiness.
Used to encourage someone to keep working hard and not give up.
Hard work brings success.

Worrying is your destiny.
Used to tease someone who worries about everything, including insignificant things.
A worrywart.

If diligent, even a beggar can get warm rice.
Used to say that diligence pays off.
Koreans used to, and many still do, get up early to make their rice for the day. If a beggar, with rice bowl in hand, starts begging early enough, he might be able to get some of this warm morning rice, but if he waits too long, the rice will cool down and, as a result, be less appetizing.
The early bird catches the worm.