brothers who are equally worthy; used ironically for two equally bad people
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesidiom
brothers who are equally excellent and hard to compare; both equally outstanding
formalOriginal, classical meaning from an anecdote in the 'Shishuo Xinyu'. Used to praise brothers equally.
Zhè这
gē哥
liǎ俩
pǐn品
xué学
jiān兼
yōu优
，
zhēn真
shì是
yī一
duì对
nán难
xiōng兄
nán难
dì弟
。
These two brothers are excellent in both character and studies; they are truly a pair of equally outstanding brothers.
Zhè这
duì对
xué学
zhě者
zài在
gè各
zì自
de的
lǐng领
yù域
dōu都
chéng成
jiù就
fěi斐
rán然
，
kān堪
chēng称
nán难
xiōng兄
nán难
dì弟
。
These two scholars have both achieved remarkable success in their respective fields and can be called an equally brilliant pair.
idiom
used ironically to describe two equally bad, foolish, or unfortunate people
derogatoryModern, common usage. Tone is sarcastic or derogatory.
Kǎo考
shì试
yòu又
shuāng双
shuāng双
bù不
jí及
gé格
，
nǐ你
men们
liǎ俩
zhēn真
shì是
nán难
xiōng兄
nán难
dì弟
。
You both failed the exam again; you two are truly a pair of failures.
Tā他
liǎ俩
dōu都
yīn因
wèi为
zuò作
bì弊
bèi被
fá罚
，
chéng成
le了
yī一
duì对
nán难
xiōng兄
nán难
dì弟
。
They were both punished for cheating, becoming a pair of 'birds of a feather'.
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Tóu投
zī资
shī失
bài败
hòu后
，
tā他
zhǎo找
dào到
le了
tóng同
bìng病
xiāng相
lián怜
de的
nán难
xiōng兄
nán难
dì弟
。
After his investment failed, he found a fellow sufferer who was in the same boat.