厉兵秣马

Pronunciation: lì bīng mò mǎ Literal meaning: Sharpen weapons and feed horses

Origin & Usage

Sharpening (厉) the weapons (兵) and feeding (秣) the horses (马). The Zuo Zhuan uses it flatly, as reconnaissance: Duke Mu of Zheng sent someone to look into the quarters where his Qin guests were lodged, and the report came back that their baggage was bound, their blades honed and their horses fed — 束载、厉兵、秣马. He knew at once what was about to happen, and sent an officer to dismiss them. That is the phrase's original function and it has survived. It reports preparation observed from outside, which is why it suits a rival gearing up as readily as one's own side.

Examples

English: "The team is preparing intensively for the upcoming competition."

Chinese: 球队正在厉兵秣马，为即将到来的比赛做准备。