- 燕雀安知鸿鹄之志 yànquè'ānzhīhónghúzhīzhì how can small fry understand the ambitions of the greatliterally meaning "how can the swallow and sparrow know the will of the great swan"; used to describe how people with narrow minds or common goals cannot understand the grand visions of those with great ambition
- 塞翁失马安知非福 sàiwēngshīmǎ'ānzhīfēifú a blessing in disguiseThe old man lost his mare, but it all turned out for the best; refers to a setback that eventually has good results.