绳锯木断
绳锯木断 (shéng jù mù duàn) literally means “rope saws wood apart” and expresses “perseverance leads to success”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: sheng ju mu duan, sheng ju mu duan,绳锯木断 meaning, 绳锯木断 in english
Perseverance leads to success
Pronunciation: shéng jù mù duàn Literal meaning: Rope saws wood apart
Origin & Usage
The idiom 绳锯木断 (shéng jù mù duàn) is derived from a story during the Song Dynasty involving a county magistrate named Zhang Guaiya. In a time when theft was rampant in Chongyang County, Zhang sought to curb this trend. He caught a treasury officer stealing a single copper coin and, despite the small amount, sentenced him to death. Zhang's reasoning was that small acts of theft, if unchecked, could lead to larger crimes. The idiom itself, however, focuses on the idea that even a rope (绳, shéng) used as a saw (锯, jù) can cut through wood (木, mù) if applied persistently. In modern usage, it emphasizes the power of perseverance, suggesting that consistent effort can overcome significant obstacles.
Examples
English: "With consistent effort, he managed to achieve his goals, just like a rope saw gradually cuts through wood."
Chinese: 他绳锯木断，经过不懈努力终于实现了目标。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 绳锯木断 mean in English?
绳锯木断 (shéng jù mù duàn) literally translates to “Rope saws wood apart” and is used to express “Perseverance leads to success”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 绳锯木断 used?
Situation: With consistent effort, he managed to achieve his goals, just like a rope saw gradually cuts through wood.
What is the pinyin for 绳锯木断?
The pinyin pronunciation for 绳锯木断 is “shéng jù mù duàn”.