九牛二虎之力

jiǔniú'èrhǔzhīlì

idiom

Meanings

1 the strength of nine oxen and two tigers
2 tremendous effort
3 Herculean strength

Characters

(possessive particle)

Examples

我费了九牛二虎之力才把这个行李箱搬上楼。

Wǒ fèi le jiǔniú'èrhǔzhīlì cái bǎ zhège xínglǐxiāng bān shànglóu.

It took me enormous effort to get this suitcase up the stairs.

费了九牛二虎之力，终于说服了父母。

Fèi le jiǔniú'èrhǔzhīlì, zhōngyú shuōfú le fùmǔ.

After a huge effort, I finally convinced my parents.

Tips

usage

Typical pattern: 费/花 + 九牛二虎之力 + 才/终于 ... Marks an accomplishment as hard-won, often with a hint of exasperation.

Stroke Order

九 jiǔ

牛 niú

二 èr

虎 hǔ

之 zhī

力 lì