lai6 bing1 mut3 maa5厲兵秣馬厉兵秣马
Jyutpinglai6 bing1 mut3 maa5
Yalelaih bīng mut máh
Definition
To prepare for battle or get ready for a demanding task.
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How it's used
Carries a strong sense of strategic readiness and anticipation, often used in professional or competitive contexts. While it originates from military terminology, it is now frequently applied to project planning or major events where significant preparation is required before execution.
Examples
Everyone needs to prepare well for tomorrow's competition.
You have been preparing for so long, are you ready to set off now?
Related words
Common phrases
to prepare and get ready
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, everyday situations like preparing a simple meal or packing a bag, as it sounds overly dramatic and formal for minor tasks.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
