His unyielding spirit in the face of hardship is admirable.
Tips
history
Found in Song poet 杨无咎's 《柳梢青》, praising the plum blossom that 'defies snow and bullies frost.' Plum (梅), pine (松), and bamboo (竹), the 岁寒三友 (Three Friends of Winter), are all classic emblems of this trait.
register
Literary/written register. Use to praise endurance under adversity: character, an artist's vision, a soldier's resolve. Sounds elevated in casual speech.
