📖 Meaning
This idiom means that with perseverance and hard work, even the most difficult task can be accomplished. It uses the metaphor of grinding an iron pestle down into a needle to illustrate that sustained effort leads to success. It encourages people to remain determined and patient in the face of daunting challenges.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from a story attributed to the Ming Dynasty writer Zheng Zhizhen's work 'Mulian Saves His Mother.' According to legend, the young Li Bai, who would later become one of China's greatest poets, once encountered an old woman grinding an iron pestle against a stone by a river. When Li Bai asked what she was doing, she replied that she wanted to make a needle. Amazed that such a feat was possible, Li Bai was deeply moved by her unwavering determination and was inspired to dedicate himself to his studies, eventually achieving greatness.
💡 Example Usage
只要你有铁杵成针的毅力，再难的技能也能学会。
As long as you have the perseverance to grind an iron pestle into a needle, you can master even the most difficult skill.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 铁杵成针
- Pinyin: tiě chǔ chéng zhēn
- Literal Translation: iron, pestle, becomes, needle
- Category: Perseverance
- Characters: 4