📖 Meaning
Rewards must be given promptly, without delay beyond the same day. It emphasizes that timely recognition reinforces morale and encourages continued effort. Delayed rewards lose their motivating power.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom is a variant of the more common '赏不逾时' (rewards should not exceed the proper time). The concept originates from ancient Chinese military governance, notably recorded in the military treatise 'The Methods of Sima' (《司马法》), which prescribed that soldiers should be rewarded immediately after meritorious deeds to maintain troop morale. The principle was widely adopted by capable rulers and generals throughout Chinese history, from the Warring States period through the Han dynasty. It reflects a broader philosophy of prompt and decisive leadership.
💡 Example Usage
主帅严令赏不逾日，三军将士无不奋勇争先。
The commander strictly enforced that rewards be given without delay beyond the day, and every soldier in the three armies fought with fierce valor.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 赏不逾日
- Pinyin: shǎng bù yú rì
- Literal Translation: reward, not, exceed, day
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4