上马

上馬

shàngmǎ

verb #20,245

Meanings

1 to mount a horse
2 to get on a horse
3 (figurative) to launch a project
4 to get started on something

Characters

Examples

将军一声令下，士兵们纷纷上马出征。

Jiāngjūn yī shēng lìng xià, shìbīng men fēnfēn shàngmǎ chūzhēng.

At the general's command, the soldiers all mounted their horses and set off for battle.

这个新项目已经正式上马了。

Zhège xīn xiàngmù yǐjīng zhèngshì shàngmǎ le.

This new project has officially been launched.

工程上马之前，要做好充分的准备。

Gōngchéng shàngmǎ zhīqián, yào zuò hǎo chōngfèn de zhǔnbèi.

Before launching the project, adequate preparation must be made.

Tips

usage

上马 has a vivid literal image (mounting a horse) and a very common figurative extension: launching or starting a major project or initiative. The contrast 下马 (xiàmǎ) means to halt or cancel a project.

Stroke Order

上 shàng

马 mǎ