A Story Sparked by a Monkey

Idioms and their stories have many charms. First, they are highly educational. For example, “Hanging from a beam and pricking one's thigh” teaches us that studying takes hard work. Lessons conveyed through stories are easier to accept than straightforward preaching. Second, idiom stories carry on our cultural heritage. “Lord Ye's Love of Dragons,” for instance, reflects ancient values and ways of thinking, and stories let us learn from the wisdom of the past. Third, they can improve our ability to express ourselves. Using idioms in writing or speech makes our words more concise and vivid. For example, “having a well-thought-out plan” succinctly conveys that someone has made careful preparations in advance. Fourth, idiom stories are great fun. “Plugging one's ears while stealing a bell,” for instance, is so absurd that it makes us laugh, while also conveying a deeper meaning.