厉兵秣马

उच्चारण: lì bīng mò mǎ शाब्दिक अर्थ: Sharpen weapons and feed horses

मूल और उपयोग

This idiom describes sharpening (厉) weapons (兵) and feeding (秣) horses (马). It originated from ancient military preparations where armies would ensure weapons were sharp and horses well-fed before battle. The phrase appeared in Zuozhuan describing state preparations for warfare. Modern usage describes thorough preparation for any significant undertaking, emphasizing the importance of readiness before action.

उदाहरण

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

चीनी: 球队正在厉兵秣马，为即将到来的比赛做准备。