马到成功(馬到成功)

Pronunciation: mǎ dào chéng gōng Literal meaning: Success upon the horse's arrival

Origin & Usage

This idiom originates from ancient Chinese military culture, where cavalry was crucial to victory. When war horses arrived at the battlefield, success was expected to follow swiftly. The phrase first appeared during the Yuan Dynasty in dramatic works describing military campaigns. The horse (马) symbolizes speed, power, and momentum, while 'arrival' (到) and 'success' (成功) emphasize immediate achievement. Today, it serves as a popular blessing for new ventures, examinations, and business endeavors, expressing hopes for swift and complete success.

When to Use

Situation: The team wished her success from the moment she began.

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