📖 Meaning
To remain on constant alert and never let one's guard down. It describes a state of perpetual readiness and vigilance, especially in military or emergency contexts.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom does not trace to a specific classical text or historical figure. It emerged from modern Chinese military and political discourse, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining unbroken preparedness. The concept echoes the strategic wisdom found in Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," which stresses that a state must always be ready for conflict even in times of peace. It became widely used in the 20th century, particularly in the context of national defense and disaster response.
💡 Example Usage
常备不懈的国防力量是国家安全的保证。
A national defense force that remains constantly on alert is the guarantee of national security.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 常备不懈
- Pinyin: cháng bèi bù xiè
- Literal Translation: always, prepared, not, slack
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4