披荆斩棘
披荆斩棘 (pī jīng zhǎn jí) literally means “cut thorns break brambles” and expresses “overcome all obstacles”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: pi jing zhan ji, pi jing zhan ji,披荆斩棘 meaning, 披荆斩棘 in english
Overcome all obstacles
Pronunciation: pī jīng zhǎn jí
Literal meaning: Cut thorns break brambles
Origin & Usage
This vivid idiom describes cutting through (披) thorny shrubs (荆) and hacking (斩) through brambles (棘), originating from historical accounts of early settlers clearing wilderness for cultivation. During the Han Dynasty, it became associated with the founding of new territories and opportunities. The specific mention of two types of thorny plants emphasizes the varying nature of obstacles one might face. Modern usage applies to pioneering efforts in any field, particularly situations requiring both sustained effort and strategic problem-solving.
Examples
English: "She built her company from scratch, overcoming countless challenges"
Chinese: 她白手起家创建公司，克服了无数挑战
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 披荆斩棘 mean in English?
披荆斩棘 (pī jīng zhǎn jí) literally translates to “Cut thorns break brambles” and is used to express “Overcome all obstacles”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 披荆斩棘 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving overcome all obstacles.
What is the pinyin for 披荆斩棘?
The pinyin pronunciation for 披荆斩棘 is “pī jīng zhǎn jí”.