- 重出江湖 chóngchūjiānghú to make a comeback(of a well-known person) to return to the fray or rejoin public life after a period of retirement or inactivity; to jump back into the thick of things. Often used humorously regarding figures in politics, sports, or entertainment.
- 笑傲江湖 xiào'àojiānghú to wander freelyto enjoy a carefree and unrestrained life of a wanderer; to live proudly and without worldly constraints
- 老江湖 lǎojiānghu worldly-wise personAn experienced, well-traveled person who is well acquainted with the ways of the world.
- 闯荡江湖 chuǎngdàngjiānghú to travel the worldTo travel around the country or the world to seek one's fortune or gain life experience.
- 江湖骗子 jiānghúpiànzi swindleritinerant swindler or con artist; a charlatan who uses tricks such as fortune-telling or selling fake medicine to cheat people of their money
- 走江湖 zǒujiānghú to earn a living as an itinerantTo travel from place to place making a living as an entertainer, peddler, healer, or fortune-teller
- 闯江湖 chuǎngjiānghú to make a living as an itinerantTo travel far and wide to make a living, traditionally by performing, selling medicine, or fortune-telling; in modern usage, to go away from home to seek one's fortune.
- 江湖义气 jiānghúyìqì code of brotherhoodA personal sense of loyalty and rough justice shared among people who live by their wits or outside mainstream society; the spirit of camaraderie and chivalry found among travelers or social outcasts.
- 浪迹江湖 làngjìjiānghú to roam far and wideTo wander about to all corners of the country; to drift with the wind or lead a wandering life.
- 跑江湖 pǎojiānghú to wander for a livingTo make a living as a traveling entertainer, fortune-teller, or traditional doctor; more generally, to wander from place to place seeking a livelihood.
- 江湖气 jiānghúqì cunning habitsThe slick, worldly, or untrustworthy personality traits associated with people who live by their wits on the road, such as being sly, oily, or overly sophisticated.
- 江湖医生 jiānghúyīshēng quackunlicensed doctor; quack; back-alley or itinerant practitioner
- 重现江湖 chóngxiànjiānghú to return to the fray(of a person) to return to a former field of activity or professional environment after a period of absence or retirement
- 人在江湖,身不由己 rénzàijiānghúshēnbùyóujǐ to be unable to do as one likesone has to compromise in this world; used to describe a situation where one's actions are limited by social obligations or external pressures beyond their control
- 江湖一点诀 jiānghúyīdiǎnjué trick of the tradea special technique, knack, or secret trick of the trade that is often simple but highly effective
- 江湖郎中 jiānghúlángzhōng quack doctorA traveling doctor or medicine peddler in olden times; often used to mean a quack or charlatan.
- 江湖艺人 jiānghúyìrén itinerant entertainerAn entertainer who travels from place to place performing stunts, singing, storytelling, or animal shows to make a living.