📖 Meaning
Describes exceptional bravery and valor in combat. The imagery evokes a warrior who charges into the enemy ranks, tearing down their war drums and capturing their banners. It conveys fierce martial courage on the battlefield.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Yuan dynasty playwright Zheng Guangzu's zaju drama 'Yi Yin Geng Xin' (伊尹耕莘), Act Three. The original line depicts armies facing each other head-on, with fierce warriors driving forward to pull down drums and seize flags. It draws on the vivid imagery of ancient battlefield heroics, where capturing an enemy's drums and banners symbolized overwhelming courage and dominance in war.
💡 Example Usage
将军扯鼓夺旗，令敌军闻风丧胆。
The general charged forth to tear down the enemy drums and seize their banners, striking terror into the opposing army.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 扯鼓夺旗
- Pinyin: chě gǔ duó qí
- Literal Translation: pull, drum, seize, flag
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4