2 fig. to write characters (calligraphy) in which every stroke is placed perfectly
依样画葫芦
yī yàng huà hú lu
1 lit. to draw a gourd from the model (idiom)
2 fig. to copy sth mechanically without attempt at originality
依葫芦画瓢
yī hú lu huà piáo
1 lit. to draw a dipper with a gourd as one's model (idiom)
2 fig. to follow the existing pattern without modification
口诛笔伐
kǒu zhū bǐ fá
1 to condemn in speech and in writing (idiom)
2 to denounce by word and pen
好记性不如烂笔头
hǎo jì xìng bù rú làn bǐ tóu
1 the palest ink is better than the best memory (idiom)
投笔从戎
tóu bǐ cóng róng
1 to lay down the pen and take up the sword (idiom)
2 to join the military (esp. of educated person)
持橐簪笔
chí tuó zān bǐ
1 to serve as a counselor (idiom)
指手画脚
zhǐ shǒu huà jiǎo
1 to gesticulate while talking (idiom)
2 to explain by waving one's hands
3 to criticize or give orders summarily
照葫芦画瓢
zhào hú lu huà piáo
1 lit. to draw a dipper with a gourd as a model (idiom)
2 fig. to copy slavishly
照猫画虎
zhào māo huà hǔ
1 lit. drawing a tiger using a cat as a model (idiom); fig. to follow a model and get things more or less right but without capturing the spirit of the subject
2 uninspired imitation
画地为牢
huà dì wéi láo
1 lit. to be confined within a circle drawn on the ground (idiom)
2 fig. to confine oneself to a restricted range of activities
画地自限
huà dì zì xiàn
1 lit. to draw a line on the ground to keep within (idiom)
2 fig. to impose restrictions on oneself
画荻教子
huà dí jiào zǐ
1 to write on the sand with reeds while teaching one's son (idiom)
2 mother's admirable dedication to her children's education
画虎类犬
huà hǔ lèi quǎn
1 drawing a tiger like a dog (idiom); to make a fool of oneself by excessive ambition
画蛇添足
huà shé tiān zú
1 lit. draw legs on a snake (idiom); fig. to ruin the effect by adding sth superfluous
2 to overdo it
画饼充饥
huà bǐng chōng jī
1 lit. to allay one's hunger using a picture of a cake
2 to feed on illusions (idiom)
画龙点睛
huà lóng diǎn jīng
1 to paint a dragon and dot in the eyes (idiom); fig. to add the vital finishing touch
2 the crucial point that brings the subject to life
3 a few words to clinch the point
笔胜于刀文比武强
bǐ shèng yú dāo wén bǐ wǔ qiáng
1 the pen is mightier than the sword (idiom)
罄笔难书
qìng bǐ nán shū
1 too numerous to be cited (of atrocities or misdeeds) (idiom)
2 see also 罄竹難書|罄竹难书[qìng zhú nán shū]
点睛之笔
diǎn jīng zhī bǐ
1 the brush stroke that dots in the eyes (idiom); fig. to add the vital finishing touch
2 the crucial point that brings the subject to life