📖 Meaning
In ancient Chinese warfare, drums were beaten to spur troops forward and gongs were struck to command retreat or signal movements. The phrase describes the dramatic sounding of battlefield instruments to rally soldiers, boost morale, and awe the enemy. By extension, it conveys the act of creating a loud, imposing display of strength or momentum.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Yuan dynasty anonymous play Wushi Pai (《午时牌》), in the second act. In the cited passage, a commander issues strict battlefield orders to his troops, forbidding them from waving flags and shouting or beating drums and sounding gongs without authorization. It reflects the disciplined use of military signals in classical Chinese warfare, where drums and gongs were essential instruments for coordinating troop movements.
💡 Example Usage
将军一声令下，全军将士擂鼓鸣金，浩浩荡荡地向敌阵冲去。
At the general's command, the entire army beat the drums and sounded the gongs, surging forward toward the enemy lines in a mighty tide.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 擂鼓鸣金
- Pinyin: léi gǔ míng jīn
- Literal Translation: beat the drum, sound the gong
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4