快马加鞭

Pronunciation: kuài mǎ jiā biān Literal meaning: Spur the horse to full speed

Origin & Usage

The idiom 快马加鞭 (kuài mǎ jiā biān) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to describe the act of urging a fast horse (快马) to go even faster by applying the whip (加鞭). This vivid imagery captures the essence of accelerating progress or intensifying efforts when already moving quickly. The phrase first appeared in the Song dynasty, notably in the works of poets like Lu You and Wang Anshi, who used it to convey urgency and the need for relentless advancement. In modern contexts, this idiom is frequently employed to encourage individuals or organizations to expedite their efforts, especially in competitive or time-sensitive situations.

Examples

English: "With his new strategy, the team is pushing forward even faster."

Chinese: 有了新策略，团队快马加鞭，向前推进。