歇后语 Chinese idiomatic saying 2

歇后语xiehouyu are two part sayings. The first part is a riddle, puzzle or reference to story or history and the second part, sometimes not expressed, is the meaning.

Photos by me. Taken at the Gardens by the Bay 2017

公鸡头上一块肉
大小都是个官
Top of the rooster’s head is a piece of meat. More or less its an official position

公鸡下蛋
妄想
Rooster lay eggs- wild wish

打鸭子上架
有意作难
Chase ducks up the pole – will is there but difficult to carry out. Like herding cats.

鹅吃草， 鸭吃谷
各人享各人福
Geese eat grass, duck eat oats. Each enjoy what it likes.

温水烫鸡
一毛不拔
Scalding chicken in lukewarm/cold water. Not a feather can be removed. That is, very stingy.

问客杀鸡
虚情假意
Asking guests whether to slaughter a chicken for their meal. Hypocritical show of hospitality. (That is, if you are generous you would have done it. Usually guests in Chinese culture are obliged to say no.)