Definition
汗马功劳 is a set phrase meaning 'outstanding service or heroic contribution', originally referring to war exploits (a horse sweating from battle). It is always used with the verb 立下 (lì xià, 'to achieve/establish') in the pattern 立下汗马功劳. Unlike 功劳 (gōng láo, 'merit'), which is a general noun, 汗马功劳 emphasizes exceptional, hard-won achievement, often in a team or organizational context.
phrase
war exploits (original meaning)fig. heroic contributionoutstanding service
Examples
- 汗马功劳。Tā zài gōngsī lì xià le hàn mǎ-gōng láo.He made outstanding contributions to the company.
- 汗马功劳。Zhège xiàngmù de chénggōng lí bù kāi tā de hàn mǎ-gōng láo.The success of this project cannot be separated from his heroic contributions.
- 汗马功劳。Tā wèi guójiā lì xià le hàn mǎ-gōng láo.He rendered outstanding service to the country.
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