一鼓作气

一鼓作氣

yīgǔzuòqì

idiom HSK 7 #36,321

Meanings

1 to get something done in one vigorous effort
2 to press on to the finish without let-up
3 to accomplish something at one go

Characters

to rouse; to stir up

Examples

我们一鼓作气把报告写完了。

Wǒmen yīgǔzuòqì bǎ bàogào xiě wán le.

We finished writing the report in one burst of effort.

他一鼓作气跑完了马拉松。

Tā yīgǔzuòqì pǎo wán le mǎlāsōng.

He finished the marathon in one sustained effort.

Tips

history

From the Zuozhuan (左传): General Cao Gui explained that soldiers' morale is highest at the first drum beat, weakens at the second, and is exhausted by the third. Hence, strike with full force at the first drum.

Stroke Order

一 yī

鼓 gǔ

作 zuò

气 qì