再接再厉
再接再厉 (zài jiē zài lì) literally means “engage again, whet the beak again” and expresses “continue efforts with undiminished enthusiasm”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: zai jie zai li, zai jie zai li,再接再厉 meaning, 再接再厉 in english
Continue efforts with undiminished enthusiasm
Pronunciation: zài jiē zài lì Literal meaning: Engage again, whet the beak again
Origin & Usage
This is from a linked poem by Han Yu and Meng Jiao on cockfighting: between rounds the bird engages again (再接) and again whets (再厉) its beak on the ground. 厉 is sharpening, not encouragement, and the bird is resharpening between bouts rather than being urged on. Modern usage tells someone to keep going and do better still, usually after a success rather than a defeat.
Examples
English: "After narrowly missing the championship, the team redoubled their training efforts for next season"
Chinese: 在险些错过冠军后,球队为下个赛季加倍训练努力
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
东山再起
dōng shān zài qǐ
Make a comeback after setback or retirement
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应接不暇
yìng jiē bù xiá
More to take in than one can keep up with
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锲而不舍
qiè ér bù shě
Persevere until success
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精卫填海
jīng wèi tián hǎi
Persist despite impossibility
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力挽狂澜
lì wǎn kuáng lán
Heroically reversing catastrophic situation
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朝气蓬勃
zhāo qì péng bó
Vibrant youthful energy and enthusiasm
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脚踏实地
jiǎo tà shí dì
Being practical and down-to-earth
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一心一意
yī xīn yī yì
Wholeheartedly; with undivided attention
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 再接再厉 mean in English?
再接再厉 (zài jiē zài lì) literally translates to “Engage again, whet the beak again” and is used to express “Continue efforts with undiminished enthusiasm”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 再接再厉 used?
Situation: After narrowly missing the championship, the team redoubled their training efforts for next season
What is the pinyin for 再接再厉?
The pinyin pronunciation for 再接再厉 is “zài jiē zài lì”.
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