The Chinese Sayings Podcast

Laszlo Montgomery•teacup.media

Join Laszlo Montgomery for bi-weekly episodes that introduce commonly used Chinese Sayings and the stories, history and rich meanings behind each phrase. Whether you speak Chinese or not, enjoy a few nice stories and pick up a new and useful phrase or two from China’s ancient times.

Last refreshed: July 17th, 2025 at 8:04 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

S1E03 | A Sincere Gift of a Mere Trifle

The next time someone looks down on your gift because its value isn't much, now you have the perfect rejoinder. For a full list of the terms used in this episode, please visit the website at teacup.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 12, 2016•10 min

S1E02 | Fen-Wise and Yuan-Foolish

In this new episode (weekly, as advertised), Laszlo introduces a story from the early 4th Century BCE, the Warring States period that preceded the unification of China under Qin Shihuang. It concerns the ruler down in the southwest kingdom of Shu, centered around Chengdu. Thanks to his greediness for a small gift, he ended up losing big later on. He was so busy counting his pennies earned in a quick score that he lost sight of the pounds he'd lose down the road. This ruler's moment of weakness w...

Dec 05, 2016•10 min

S1E01 | Take Care in That Melon Field

In the inaugural episode of the Chinese Sayings Podcast Laszlo introduces one of his favorites from his earliest days: Guā Tián Li Xià. 瓜田李下. This one goes all the way back to the early days of the Three Kingdoms Period. The lesson it teaches us is to watch yourself when you're in circumstances that might possibly be misunderstood and show you in a suspicious light. Don't forget to visit teacup.media for a full list of the terms used in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...

Nov 27, 2016•7 min

Welcome to the Chinese Sayings Podcast

A warm welcome to the Chinese Sayings Podcast! Since 2017 Laszlo Montgomery introduces a new "chengyu" or Chinese idiomatic expression or saying. You'll get the backstory behind these ancient sayings. Once you learn the story behind each expression, you'll be able to unlock the meaning. These Chinese Sayings are filled with history and legendary stories. No need for you to be a Chinese language speaker. These stories can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Nov 26, 2016•5 min

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