1 unspoken rules (usually ones that codify improper behaviors such as leveraging guanxi to get favorable treatment, or coercing employees for sexual favors)
Idioms (20)
一则以喜，一则以忧
yī zé yǐ xǐ , yī zé yǐ yōu
1 happy on the one hand, but worried on the other (idiom)
不俭则匮
bù jiǎn zé kuì
1 wastage makes one destitute (idiom)
事无巨细
shì wú jù xì
1 lit. things are not separated according to their size (idiom)
2 fig. to deal with any matter, regardless of its importance
以身作则
yǐ shēn zuò zé
1 to set an example (idiom); to serve as a model
低声细语
dī shēng xì yǔ
1 in a whisper
2 in a low voice (idiom)
俭则不缺
jiǎn zé bù quē
1 frugality prevents destitution (idiom)
勤则不匮
qín zé bù kuì
1 If one is industrious, one will not be in want. (idiom)
呢喃细语
ní nán xì yǔ
1 whispering in a low voice (idiom); murmuring
学而优则仕
xué ér yōu zé shì
1 one who is successful in one's studies, can become an official (idiom)
小不忍则乱大谋
xiǎo bù rěn zé luàn dà móu
1 (idiom) great plans can be ruined by just a touch of impatience
成则为王，败则为寇
chéng zé wéi wáng , bài zé wéi kòu
1 lit. called a king if successful, called a bandit if defeated (idiom)
2 fig. losers are always in the wrong
既来之，则安之
jì lái zhī , zé ān zhī
1 Since they have come, we should make them comfortable (idiom). Since we're here, take it easy.
2 Since this is so, we should accept it.
3 Now we have come, let's stay and take the rough with the smooth.
4 If you can't do anything to prevent it, you might as well sit back and enjoy it.
有则改之，无则加勉
yǒu zé gǎi zhī , wú zé jiā miǎn
1 correct any mistakes you made, but maintain your good record if you did not make them (idiom)
欲速则不达
yù sù zé bù dá
1 lit. to want sth in haste, but cannot get there (idiom, from Analects); more haste, less speed
2 don't try to run before you can walk
水至清则无鱼，人至察则无徒
shuǐ zhì qīng zé wú yú , rén zhì chá zé wú tú
1 water that is too clear has no fish, and one who is too severe has no friends (idiom)
潇潇细雨
xiāo xiāo xì yǔ
1 the sound of light rain or drizzle (idiom)
穷则思变
qióng zé sī biàn
1 when you hit bottom, you have to come up with a new approach (idiom)
精打细算
jīng dǎ xì suàn
1 meticulous planning and careful accounting (idiom)
精雕细刻
jīng diāo xì kè
1 lit. fine sculpting (idiom); fig. to work with extreme care and precision