📖 Meaning
Originally describing roosters sharpening their beaks before resuming a cockfight, this idiom now means to continue making efforts without giving up. It conveys persistent striving and unflagging determination after each round of work or struggle.
📜 Origin Story
Tang dynasty poets Han Yu (韩愈) and Meng Jiao (孟郊) co-authored a linked-verse poem titled "斗鸡联句" (Linked Verses on Cockfighting). The line "一喷一醒然，再接再砺乃" depicts fighting roosters being sprayed with water to revive them, then sharpening their beaks before re-entering the fray. Over the centuries, this vivid cockfighting imagery evolved into a general metaphor for relentless effort and perseverance in any endeavor.
💡 Example Usage
这次比赛我们虽然取得了胜利，但仍需再接再砺，争取更大的进步。
Although we won this competition, we must keep up our efforts and strive for even greater progress.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 再接再砺
- Pinyin: zài jiē zài lì
- Literal Translation: again, engage, again, sharpen
- Category: Perseverance
- Characters: 4