嘤其鸣矣，求其友声
The bird keeps singing; it is looking for company.
The proverb is commonly used to refer to a person in pursuit of like-minded friends.

 

阳春之曲，和者必寡；盛名之下，其实难副
Highbrow music will definitely find very few persons to join the chorus; it is hard to live up to the honor accorded to this music.
The proverb indicates that one’s ability often falls short of one’s reputation.

 

曲妙人不能尽合，言是人不能皆信
When songs are very beautiful, there are very few who can sing them in a chorus; when a speech is to the point, those who approve of it are few.
The proverb means that it is difficult to make everyone believe in the truth and people’s minds are complex.

 

响鼓不用重锤
A resonant drum need not be beaten using a heavy drumstick.
The proverb suggests that a bright person needs only a slight hint to get your point.

 

听话听声，锣鼓听音
When you hear people talk, listen to their implications; when you hear gongs and drums being beaten, listen to their tones.
The proverb emphasizes that people should be considerate and truly understand what others mean behind their words.

 

同声相应，同气相求
Similar sounds will respond to each other, and similar odors will merge together.
The proverb means that people of similar temperament and taste tend to associate with each other.