The 3rd Series of Chinese Drinking Slangs includes “意思一下”（Just show a little bit） and more. There are ten.
1.“意思一下”（Just show a little bit）
It usually means that when it comes to drinking or other matters, there is no need to go to extremes. Just make a small gesture or show a little bit. It is a euphemistic and relaxed way of speaking to avoid putting too much pressure on the other person.
E.g:“For this glass of wine, you can do as you like. Just show a little bit. The main thing is to express my feelings.”
Attn：Use it with attention to the occasion and the person to whom it is addressed, in a gentle tone of voice, and make sure the other person understands that what you are saying is not perfunctory but respectful of the person’s alcohol consumption or willingness to drink.
2.“酒过三巡”（After three rounds of drinking）
It means that everyone at the dinner table has had several rounds of drinks. Usually, the atmosphere is quite warm at this time, and the communication becomes more in – depth. It is often the right time to start discussing more important topics.
E.g:“After three rounds of drinking, everyone has relaxed. Let’s talk about the specific details of our cooperation.”
Attn：Realising that people may already be slightly intoxicated at this stage, it is important to be more careful with your words when communicating and to avoid overly sensitive or inappropriate topics.
3.“借花献佛”Borrow the flowers to present to the Buddha (use what is available to show respect)
When one doesn’t prepare the wine oneself but uses the wine provided by the host to propose a toast to others, it shows respect for the other person and also demonstrates one’s politeness and quick – wittedness.
E.g:“Mr. Wang, I ‘borrow the flowers to present to the Buddha’ and offer you a toast. Thank you for your support for our project.”
Attn：Used with a smile and a sincere attitude, toasts are usually made to people of high status or worthy of respect.
4.“好事成双”（Good things come in pairs）
At the dinner table, people often use the saying “Good things come in pairs” as a reason to persuade the other person to drink two glasses of wine, implying good luck and expressing a beautiful wish.
E.g:“Mr. Li, we are so happy today. Good things come in pairs. Let’s have two more glasses each!”
Attn：Be careful to observe the other person’s capacity and willingness to drink, and do not forcefully persuade them to drink, so as not to cause resentment.
5.“鱼头对贵客”（The fish head is turned towards the honored guest.）
In the dining – table culture of some regions, the direction of the fish head in the fish plate is turned towards the important guest, which shows respect for the guest. At the same time, there may be some drinking customs related to the fish head, such as the guest of honor having to drink the “fish head wine”.
E.g:“Mr. Zhang, the fish head is turned towards you as the honored guest. You should take it easy. According to our local custom, you have to drink three glasses of ‘fish head wine’.”
Attn：Find out in advance whether there are such customs in the local area and whether the guests accept them or not, to avoid embarrassment caused by cultural differences. If the guest is not comfortable with it, do not force it.
6.“满上满上”（Fill it up, fill it up.）
Ask the waiter or pour wine for others’ glasses to the brim, expressing hospitality and hoping that the guests can enjoy the wine to the fullest. It is usually used to liven up the atmosphere at the dinner table.
E.g:“It’s rare for us to get together today. Fill up everyone’s glasses and let’s have a good drink!”
Attn：Pour the right amount of wine to avoid spillage, while respecting the guest’s wishes and not forcing them to pour wine if they say they can’t drink any more.
7.“无酒不成席”（A banquet is incomplete without wine.）
It emphasizes the importance of wine in the occasion of a banquet. It is believed that without wine, the meal cannot be called a complete banquet, reflecting the crucial position of wine in social dining.
E.g:“We Chinese people believe that a banquet is incomplete without wine. We must drink well today.”
Attn：It is a cultural expression that it is not mandatory for everyone to drink alcohol and to respect the choices of those who do not drink.
8.“敬酒不吃吃罚酒”（If you don’t drink the toast, you’ll have to drink the forfeit.）
It is usually used to joke with the other person in a semi – humorous way. If one doesn’t accept the toast, one may face other forms such as being punished to drink more. It has a slightly “threatening” meaning, but it is more of a joke to liven up the atmosphere.
E.g:“Brother, if you don’t drink the toast, you’ll have to drink the forfeit. This glass is for you. You have to drink it.”
Attn：It should only be used between people who are closer and more familiar with each other, and in a relaxed tone that doesn’t really put pressure on the other person to avoid causing offence.
9.“打通关”（Toast to everyone around the table.）
It means that one person proposes a toast to everyone at the dinner table in turn. This usually happens when the atmosphere is warm and the person doing the toasting has a good capacity for alcohol, demonstrating the toaster’s boldness and social skills.
E.g:“I’m so happy today. I’ll toast to everyone around the table and have a drink with each of you.”
Attn：It is important for the toast maker to keep it within their means, making sure they have enough alcohol to complete it, while being mindful of the pace and not overstressing the others.
10.“以茶代酒”（Use tea instead of wine）
When someone cannot drink alcohol for various reasons, they use tea to replace wine and propose a toast to others. This not only shows respect but also solves the problem of not being able to drink alcohol. It is a more flexible way.
E.g:“I’m sorry. I drove here and can’t drink alcohol. So I’ll use tea instead of wine and offer a toast to everyone.”
Attn：When substituting tea for alcohol, it is important to be sincere, to explain why, to gain the understanding of others, and to try to be consistent in etiquette, such as clinking glasses, with the drinking of alcohol as a sign of respect.