📖 Meaning
To remain vigilant and on guard both day and night, never letting one's guard down. It describes a state of constant watchfulness and prudence, especially in positions of responsibility where one cannot afford a moment of carelessness.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Northern Song dynasty scholar and official Shen Kuo (沈括) in his memorial 'Yanzhou Xie Dao Ren Biao' (《延州谢到任表》), submitted upon assuming office in Yanzhou. In this memorial, Shen Kuo pledged to exhaust his efforts in fulfilling the emperor's entrusted duties, and to remain vigilant day and night, ever mindful of the grace bestowed by heaven and earth. The phrase reflects the Confucian ideal of a diligent official who is ceaselessly watchful over his responsibilities.
💡 Example Usage
边防战士昼警夕惕，守护着祖国的每一寸土地。
The border guards remain vigilant day and night, safeguarding every inch of their homeland.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 昼警夕惕
- Pinyin: zhòu jǐng xī tì
- Literal Translation: day alert, night cautious
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4