I found another common expression in the reading. Can we rely on our common sense to learn some aspects of other cultures, languages included? Con vergüenza, estuve listo para que se me tragara la tierra. I was ready to sink into the earth with shame. 那时我羞愧的恨不得找个地缝钻进去了。 还是现代版跟其它的语言贴切一点。 The original classic Chinese text is more appealing in tone and style. For those learning Chinese, the original text did not use any punctuation. https://lettersofnote.com/2009/10/16/i-was-ready-to-sink-into-the-earth-with-shame/