劈波斩浪
pī bō zhǎn làng
to cleave through the waves; to press ahead through difficulties
Character by character
劈pī
split
split
波bō
waves
waves
斩zhǎn
cut
cut
浪làng
billows
billows
Example
巨大的货轮劈波斩浪，向远方驶去。
The huge freighter ploughed through the waves and headed out into the distance.
Tone: positive (praise).
Usage and origin
Literal of ships, and in speeches and editorials for a nation or company forging ahead: 在改革的大潮中劈波斩浪. Compare 乘风破浪 (lesson 4-23): that one rides the wind, this one fights the waves head on.
Learn this in Lesson 176 · HSK 7–9: 南海一号 (The Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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