鞠躬尽瘁
What does 鞠躬尽瘁 mean?
Devote oneself completely, holding nothing back — to give everything to a duty until the very end
指为责任或事业竭尽全力，毫无保留地奉献自己。
Historical origin
During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang led Shu's army on a northern campaign and set up camp at Wuzhang Plains. Knowing he was seriously unwell, he wrote a memorial to the young emperor pledging that he would devote himself completely until death ended his duty. He continued planning and commanding the army with great care even as his health failed, working by lamplight each night and attending to every detail of the campaign until his death.
How do you use 鞠躬尽瘁 in a sentence?
Even though the project was difficult, our teacher worked with us day and night, truly 鞠躬尽瘁 for the whole class.
虽然这个项目很困难，但我们的老师还是日夜陪着我们，真是为全班鞠躬尽瘁。
Common mistake
Do not use this idiom for small or casual efforts, like finishing homework or cleaning your room. It is for someone giving everything to an important duty or cause, often over a long time.
不要把这个成语用在写完作业、打扫房间这类小事上。它形容的是一个人为了重要的责任或事业长期竭尽全力、毫无保留地付出。
The illustrated storybook
智慧典故系列 · Wisdom Series · Tales of China