Definition
摩拳擦掌 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'to rub one's fists and wipe one's palms' — a physical gesture of readiness before action. It describes someone who is eagerly preparing to start a task, competition, or fight, full of energy and determination. You can use it for both literal combat and figurative situations like a sports match or a work project.
idiom
to be eager and ready for actionto roll up one's sleeves
Examples
- ，摩拳擦掌。Bǐsài hái méi kāishǐ, xuǎnshǒumen jiù yǐjīng mā le.The competition hadn't even started, but the contestants were already raring to go.
- ，摩拳擦掌。Tīng dào yào jiābān de xiāoxi, dàjiā dōu mā zhǔnbèi dà gàn yì chǎng.Upon hearing about the overtime work, everyone was rolling up their sleeves to get stuck in.
- 摩拳擦掌，。Zhànshìmen mā, zhǐ děng yì shēng lìng xià.The soldiers were eager for action, just waiting for the order.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.