Definition
摸爬滚打 is a four-character idiom that literally describes the movements of crawling, rolling, and groping — actions associated with military training or rough physical labor. Figuratively, it means to go through all kinds of tough, practical experiences and become seasoned or hardened as a result. You can use it to describe someone who has learned their craft through real-world struggle rather than formal education.
v
to go through challenging experiences and become seasoned (in one's profession, life, etc.)
Examples
- 摸爬滚打，。Tā zài gōngdì shàng mō le shí jǐ nián, shénme kǔ dōu chī guò.He has been through the grind on construction sites for over a decade and has endured every kind of hardship.
- 摸爬滚打，。Zhè wèi lǎo yǎnyuán shì cóng huàjùtuán mō chūlái de, yǎnjì tèbié zhāshi.This veteran actor came up through the rough-and-tumble of the drama troupe, so his acting skills are especially solid.
- ，摸爬滚打，。Chuàngyè zhè xiē nián, tā jīnglì le wúshù cì de mō, zhōngyú yǒu le jīntiān de chéngjiù.In these years of starting a business, he has gone through countless trials and tribulations, and finally achieved what he has today.
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