📖 Meaning
Originally meant being worn out from running around carrying out orders. Now commonly refers to being kept constantly on the move to deal with various demands, becoming extremely tired and worn out.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Zuo Zhuan (左传·成公七年), chronicles from the Spring and Autumn period. It describes the conflict between the states of Wu and Chu. Wu repeatedly launched attacks on Chu's borders, forcing Chu's generals to rush their armies back and forth to defend different frontiers without rest. The quote 'I will make you exhausted to death from rushing about on orders' expresses the strategy of wearing down the enemy by forcing them to respond constantly to threats on multiple fronts, leaving them utterly depleted.
💡 Example Usage
频繁的加班让他疲于奔命，身体终于撑不住了。
Frequent overtime left him exhausted from rushing about, and his body finally gave out.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 疲于奔命
- Pinyin: pí yú bēn mìng
- Literal Translation: exhausted, by, rushing, orders
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4