- 心字头上一把刀 xīnzìtóushàngyībǎdāo [xiehouyu] to endure itA two-part phrase (xiehouyu) meaning "to endure it"; the character [[忍|忍|ren3]] consists of a knife above the heart, implying that one must endure even the most painful of circumstances.
- 色字头上一把刀 sèzìtóushàngyībǎdāo lasciviousness leads to ruinLiterally there is a knife above the character for lust [[色|色|se4]]; used as a warning that indulging in sexual desire or lascivious behavior leads to disastrous consequences.