一鼓作气 yìgǔ-zuòqì in a spurt of energy
How to remember 一鼓作气: 一 one + 鼓 drum + 作 do + 气 air = in a spurt of energy.
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How it is used
- 'Charge on the first drumbeat' = to press on in one burst of energy while momentum is high - 趁热打铁,一鼓作气把它做完 (chèn rè dǎtiě, yìgǔ-zuòqì bǎ tā zuòwán) strike while the iron's hot and finish it in one push.
- Urges finishing a task in a single sustained effort before enthusiasm fades (from an ancient battle where morale peaks at the first drum). Often an exhortation.
- Contrast the follow-on lines 再而衰,三而竭 (a second drum flags, a third exhausts) - the whole point is not to lose the initial surge.