小肚鸡肠 petty
Explanation
形容气量狭小，只顾及个人利益，不顾大局。
Describes someone with a small heart, only considering their own interests and ignoring the bigger picture.
Origin Story
从前，在一个小山村里，住着两位农夫，老张和老李。老张为人豁达开朗，乐于助人，他的田地虽然不多，但总是丰收，村里人都喜欢和他交往。老李则恰恰相反，他心胸狭窄，小肚鸡肠，总喜欢和别人计较，即使是一点点小事，也会耿耿于怀。他家的田地虽然比老张的多，但却常常因为和邻里发生矛盾而影响收成。 有一天，村里来了一个富商，要收购村里的粮食。老张毫不犹豫地把自己的粮食卖给了富商，还帮助富商联系其他的农户。老李则担心老张抢了他的生意，暗地里使绊子，想让富商只买他的粮食。结果，老张因为口碑好，粮食很快就卖完了，还赚了一笔不错的钱。而老李却因为他的小肚鸡肠，不仅没有赚到更多的钱，还得罪了很多人，最终落得个两面不讨好的下场。 这个故事告诉我们，为人处世要大度包容，不要斤斤计较，否则只会害人害己。小肚鸡肠的人，最终只会失去朋友，失去机会，失去幸福。
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived two farmers, Old Zhang and Old Li. Old Zhang was open-minded and helpful; his land wasn't large, but he always had a bountiful harvest. Villagers loved interacting with him. Old Li was quite the opposite; he was narrow-minded and petty, always arguing with others, even over small matters. Though his land was larger than Old Zhang's, his harvest often suffered due to conflicts with neighbors. One day, a wealthy merchant came to the village to buy grain. Old Zhang readily sold his grain, even helping the merchant connect with other farmers. Fearing Old Zhang would steal his business, Old Li secretly tried to sabotage him, wanting the merchant to buy only from him. However, Old Zhang's good reputation meant his grain sold out quickly, earning him a handsome profit. Old Li's pettiness not only prevented him from earning more but also alienated many, leaving him with nothing in the end. This story teaches us to be open-minded and not worry about small things, otherwise we will only harm ourselves and others. Petty people ultimately lose friends, opportunities, and happiness.
Usage
用于形容人器量狭小，爱斤斤计较，不顾大局。
Used to describe someone who is petty, cares about trivial matters, and ignores the big picture.
Examples
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他为人小肚鸡肠，斤斤计较。
tā wéirén xiǎodùjīcháng, jīn jīn jìjiào
He is petty and cares too much about small details.
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不要事事小肚鸡肠，要顾全大局。
bùyào shìshì xiǎodùjīcháng, yào gùquán dàjú
Don't be petty; consider the bigger picture.
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处理问题要大度一些，不要小肚鸡肠的。
chǔlǐ wèntí yào dàdù yīxiē, bùyào xiǎodùjīcháng de
Be more magnanimous when handling problems; don't be petty.