📖 Meaning
Describes people rubbing their fists and palms together, fully energized and eager to act, typically before a battle or physical labor. It conveys a spirit of excitement, readiness, and restless anticipation for the task ahead.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Yuan dynasty play 'Li Kui Bears the Thorn' (《李逵负荆》) by Kang Jinzhi (康进之). In the second act, the hot-tempered hero Li Kui declares, 'I too rub my fists and palms, unable to suppress the impulsive fire in my heart as I march along.' Li Kui, a beloved character from Water Margin lore, embodies raw martial enthusiasm. The vivid physical image of rubbing one's hands together captures the restless energy and eagerness before a fight.
💡 Example Usage
比赛即将开始，队员们个个摩拳擦掌，准备大显身手。
As the competition was about to begin, every team member was eagerly rubbing their fists and palms, ready to show their skills.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 摩拳擦掌
- Pinyin: mó quán cā zhǎng
- Literal Translation: rub, fist, rub, palm
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4