说长道短 gossiping
Explanation
指议论别人的好坏是非。
To discuss the good and bad of others.
Origin Story
话说古代小镇上，住着两位邻居，老张和老李。老张为人热心，乐于助人，经常帮助街坊邻居解决一些琐碎的事情。而老李则恰恰相反，没事就喜欢说长道短，搬弄是非，常常在背后议论别人的好坏，甚至无中生有，夸大其词，导致邻里关系紧张。一天，小镇上发生了一起小偷事件，丢失了一些财物。老李第一时间就开始说长道短，怀疑是老张偷的，还添油加醋地添枝加叶，把老张描绘成一个十恶不赦的坏人。老张知道后，并没有与老李争辩，而是默默地协助警察调查，最终找到了真正的罪犯。事件结束后，老李不仅没有反思自己的行为，反而更加肆无忌弹，继续搬弄是非。后来，老张实在忍无可忍，决定搬离这个小镇，不再和老李为伍。从此以后，老李也失去了一个好邻居，独自一人生活，后悔莫及。
Once upon a time, in an ancient town, there lived two neighbors, Lao Zhang and Lao Li. Lao Zhang was a warm-hearted and helpful person, always ready to assist his neighbors with their problems. In contrast, Lao Li was a gossiper who loved to talk about other people's affairs and spread rumors, often exaggerating or fabricating stories, creating tension among the neighbors. One day, a theft occurred in the town, with some valuables missing. Lao Li immediately began to spread rumors, suspecting Lao Zhang of being the culprit. He added details and exaggerated the situation, portraying Lao Zhang as an unscrupulous villain. Lao Zhang, knowing this, chose not to argue and quietly cooperated with the police in the investigation, eventually leading to the identification of the real criminal. After the incident, Lao Li, instead of reflecting on his actions, continued his gossiping without any remorse. Eventually, Lao Zhang could no longer tolerate Lao Li’s behavior and decided to move out of the town, leaving Lao Li alone and regretful.
Usage
常用来形容那些爱议论别人是非的人。
Often used to describe those who like to gossip about other people's affairs.
Examples
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街坊邻居们没事就爱说长道短。
jiefanglinjumen meishen jiu ai shuo chang dao duan.
Neighbors love to gossip.
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少说长道短，多做些实事。
shao shuo chang dao duan, duo zuo xie shishi.
Do more things and talk less!