走马上任

走馬上任

zǒumǎshàngrèn

idiom #40,621

Meanings

1 to take up a new post
2 to assume office
3 to start a new position

Characters

to go; to ride (horse)

to go up; to take up

Examples

新任经理下个月走马上任。

Xīnrèn jīnglǐ xià ge yuè zǒumǎshàngrèn.

The new manager will take up his post next month.

他刚刚走马上任，就开始大刀阔斧地改革。

Tā gānggāng zǒumǎshàngrèn, jiù kāishǐ dàdāokuòfǔ de gǎigé.

Right after assuming the position, he started reforming things drastically.

Tips

history

From Sun Guangxian's 《北梦琐言》 (Anecdotes from the Northern Dream, Song dynasty): 「先以陈公走马赴任」 — describing an official 'riding a horse to his post.' In imperial times, riding to one's assigned post was the literal act; today the phrase is purely figurative for starting any new official role.

usage

Most natural for formal/leadership positions — managers, officials, directors. Don't use for an ordinary new employee; say 上班 or 入职 instead.

Stroke Order

走 zǒu

马 mǎ

上 shàng

任 rèn