unhealthy practices and evil phenomena

a slip of the tongue

messy;sloppy;slovenly (lit. wading in mud and water)

return cultivated land to forest or pastures

Unity is strength

Union is strength

The fox preys farthest from his hole

rustic;uncouth;countrified

renounce the pen for the sword;join the military service (esp. of educated person)

an overall plan taking into account all factors

to get through a time of difficulty by settle one's difference and working together

to share one's joys and sorrows

to be guided by destiny

a heart of steel

Even if one jumped into the Yellow River, one can not wash oneself clean--there's nothing one can do to clear one's name

Burn the midnight oil

heavenly happiness

Heaven helps those who help themselves

It is the unexpected that always happens

Anything unexpected may happen. a bolt from the blue