📖 Meaning
To rouse one's energies and devote every effort to governing the state well. It describes a ruler or leader who diligently applies themselves to political administration and reform. The phrase is a variant of the more common form 励精图治.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom is a variant of 励精图治, attested in historical texts describing rulers who devoted themselves energetically to statecraft. The character 厉 (to exert or strengthen) is interchangeable with 励 (to encourage) in this context. Classical historians used such phrases to commend emperors who worked diligently to restore order and prosperity after periods of decline. No single definitive origin story is recorded for this specific character variant.
💡 Example Usage
新君即位后厉精图治，数年间国势大为改观。
After ascending the throne, the new sovereign devoted himself energetically to governing, and within a few years the fortunes of the state improved dramatically.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 厉精图治
- Pinyin: lì jīng tú zhì
- Literal Translation: exert, spirit, seek, govern
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4