再接再厉

再接再厲

zàijiē-zàilì

idiom #28,397

Meanings

1 to continue the struggle; to keep at it
2 to make persistent efforts; to persevere

Characters

again; once more

to connect; to engage (in battle)

to sharpen; vigorous; severe

Examples

这次考试虽然没考好，但要再接再厉，下次一定会成功。

Zhècì kǎoshì suīrán méi kǎo hǎo, dàn yào zàijiē-zàilì, xiàcì yīdìng huì chénggōng.

Although this exam didn't go well, keep at it — you will definitely succeed next time.

教练鼓励球员再接再厉，争取更好的成绩。

Jiàoliàn gǔlì qiúyuán zàijiē-zàilì, zhēngqǔ gèng hǎode chéngjī.

The coach encouraged the players to keep up their efforts and strive for better results.

Tips

history

This idiom originates from cockfighting: 接 referred to a rooster engaging in battle, and 厉 (sharpen) suggested the bird sharpening its fighting spirit for the next round. It now means to persevere through repeated effort.

Stroke Order

再 zài

接 jiē

厉 lì