冲锋陷阵

衝鋒陷陣

chōngfēngxiànzhèn

idiom #30,622

Meanings

1 to charge ahead and break through enemy lines
2 to fight bravely on the front lines (literal or figurative)

Characters

to charge; rush

spearhead; vanguard

to sink into; to break through

battle formation

Examples

战士们冲锋陷阵，毫不畏惧。

Zhànshìmen chōngfēngxiànzhèn, háo bú wèijù.

The soldiers charged the enemy lines without fear.

他在公司里总是冲锋陷阵。

Tā zài gōngsī lǐ zǒngshì chōngfēngxiànzhèn.

He's always the one charging into the breach at the company.

Tips

history

From 《北齐书·崔暹传》 (the Book of Northern Qi, c. 636 CE): 冲锋陷阵，大有其人 ('charging the front and breaking enemy lines — there were plenty such men'). Originally a literal battlefield phrase; now also figurative for taking on the toughest tasks at work or in any struggle.

memory

冲锋 (charge the front) + 陷阵 (sink/penetrate the enemy formation). Picture cavalry crashing through a line of pikes — both halves contribute the same image of forward, decisive attack.

Stroke Order

冲 chōng

锋 fēng

陷 xiàn

阵 zhèn