📖 Meaning
Describes someone or something that is lively, vigorous, and full of vitality, like a living dragon or a tiger full of life. It conveys a robust, dynamic spirit and boundless energy.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Qing dynasty novel 'Tongshi' (痛史) by Wu Jianren (吴趼人). In Chapter 5, it describes the Song dynasty general Zhang Shijie leading a cavalry charge against the Yuan (Mongol) army. Riding at the forefront with his lieutenants Zongren and Zongyi behind him, they charged into the enemy formation like a living dragon and tiger. The phrase vividly captures the fierce, unstoppable vigor of these warriors in battle.
💡 Example Usage
操场上的孩子们生龙活虎，尽情地奔跑嬉闹。
The children on the playground were full of vigor and energy, running and playing to their hearts' content.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 生龙活虎
- Pinyin: shēng lóng huó hǔ
- Literal Translation: living, dragon, alive, tiger
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4