不相上下: how to read an idiom

A 成语 is one meaning made of four parts, not four separate words. 不相上下 = 不 + 相 + 上 + 下: 'not above and not below' — on a par. 大同小异 = 大 + 同 + 小 + 异: 'the major part the same, the minor part different'. 独一无二 = 独 + 一 + 无 + 二: 'one, and no second'. The comparison chapter holds more: 格格不入 'fits in nowhere', 凤毛麟角 'rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns', 冰山一角 'the tip of the iceberg'.

Examples

• 两支球队实力不相上下，比赛非常精彩。 Liǎng zhī qiúduì shílì bùxiāngshàngxià, bǐsài fēicháng jīngcǎi. The two teams match each other in strength; the match was very exciting.
• 这两家店卖的东西大同小异，价格也差不多。 Zhè liǎng jiā diàn mài de dōngxi dàtóngxiǎoyì, jiàgé yě chàbuduō. The two shops sell almost the same goods, and the prices are very similar too.
• 这件手工做的衣服独一无二，别处买不到。 Zhè jiàn shǒugōng zuò de yīfu dúyī wú'èr, biéchù mǎi bu dào. This hand-sewn garment is one of a kind: you won't find it anywhere else.

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