如虎添翼
如虎添翼 (rú hǔ tiān yì) literally means “like tiger adding wings” and expresses “add to one's strength; become even more powerful”. 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: ru hu tian yi, ru hu tian yi,如虎添翼 meaning, 如虎添翼 in english
Add to one's strength; become even more powerful
Pronunciation: rú hǔ tiān yì
Literal meaning: Like tiger adding wings
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes being like a tiger (如虎) that adds (添) wings (翼). A tiger is already formidable; with wings, it becomes unstoppable. The phrase describes adding capabilities to something already powerful. It appeared in texts describing reinforcements to already strong positions. Modern usage describes gaining additional advantages that multiply existing strengths, making an already capable entity much more powerful.
Examples
English: "The new funding will greatly strengthen our capabilities."
Chinese: 新的资金将使我们如虎添翼。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 如虎添翼 mean in English?
如虎添翼 (rú hǔ tiān yì) literally translates to “Like tiger adding wings” and is used to express “Add to one's strength; become even more powerful”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 如虎添翼 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving add to one's strength; become even more powerful.
What is the pinyin for 如虎添翼?
The pinyin pronunciation for 如虎添翼 is “rú hǔ tiān yì”.