Chinese Idioms Publication

Illustrations featuring the Mandarin Zest character for a book of Chinese idioms (yet to be published). The illustrations aim to be on brand with the colours and cartoonish style of Mandarin Zest, and also convey the key meanings of each idiom clearly and effectively.

1. 骑虎难下 (qí hǔ nán xià) Literal translation: To ride a tiger and to find it hard to get off. Meaning past the point of no return or in too deep.

2. 对牛弹琴 (duì niú tán qín) Literal translation: To play an instrument to a cow. Meaning to talk sense to someone that cannot understand, to waste your efforts.

3. 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú) Literal translation: To paint a snake with feet. Meaning overdoing something and ruining it.

4. 守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù) Literal translation: To guard a tree stump waiting for rabbits.Meaning waiting for lightning to strike twice.

5. 盲人摸象 (máng rén mō xiàng) Literal translation: Blind man touching an elephant. Meaning to miss the bigger picture.