- 投石问路 tóushíwènlù to test the watersLiterally means to toss a stone to check the path ahead; used to describe taking a small initial action to gauge a situation before proceeding with a major plan.
- 以卵投石 yǐluǎntóushí to throw an egg against a rock(idiom) to overrate one's own abilities and attempt a hopeless battle; to court destruction by attacking a much stronger opponent
- 投石下井 tóushíxiàjǐng to hit someone when they are downto throw stones at a person who has fallen into a well; to take advantage of someone's misfortune to cause further harm
- 投石器 tóushíqì sling, bricolehand-held weapon or ancient military engine (such as a traction trebuchet or catapult) used for throwing stones
- 投石机 tóushíjī catapultA siege engine used for throwing stones; specifically a mangonel or similar device.
- 下井投石 xiàjǐngtóushí to hit someone when they are downTo take advantage of someone's trouble to harm them; to kick someone while they are down.
- 焦熬投石 jiāo'áotóushí doomed to failTo throw scorched and brittle objects against a stone; used to describe a situation where failure is inevitable or someone is inviting their own destruction.
- 以水投石 yǐshuǐtóushí to act in vainto throw water at a stone; used to describe a futile effort or an action that has no effect because it is ill-matched to the target