English Recordings

The palms of two hands have to meet to make a clapping sound.
Used to explain that some things cannot be done by one person alone.
It takes two to tango.

Even a stone bridge should be tested by banging on it before crossing.
Used to warn someone to be careful and to not take things for granted.
Look before you leap.
Better safe than sorry.

A mouse in an earthen jar
Used to describe a situation in which there is little or no hope for escape.
Koreans use large earthen jars to store various kimchis and pastes. The jars usually bow out near the top and then come back in to form fairly narrow openings. If a mouse were to get into one of these jars, it would have very little hope of getting out.
A rat in a trap.

Measuring the height of acorns
Used to describe a situation where people are arguing about the differences between things that are essentially the same.
Splitting hairs.

Even the moon wanes when it is full.
Used to say that no one can expect to be popular or at their best forever.
The moon's cycle can be compared to the life cycle of man.
Every tide has it ebb.

A thorn in one's eye
Usually used to to describe someone who causes someone pain or irritation or someone who is a nuisance.
It is interesting that Koreans say "thorn in the eye," but Americans say "a thorn in the side."

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Used to justify your reason for wanting to get revenge on someone. This saying can be found in the old testament of the Bible.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

It is a world where people will cut off your nose and eat it if you close your eyes.
Used to warn of or express your frustration with a world that is heartless and cruel.
A dog-eat-dog world.

The fish that looks the biggest is the one that gets away.
Used to suggest to someone that maybe he or she is exaggerating his or her lose.
It is always the big one that gets away.

Birds hear the words spoken in the day, and the mice those at night.
Used to warn someone to be careful about what he or she says since one never knows who may be listening.
Walls have ears.