前赴后继

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: qián fù hòu jì
• English Translation: To advance wave upon wave, to press forward dauntlessly, one after another
• Idiom Composition: 「前」（Front, ahead）＋「赴」（To go to, to proceed to）＋「后」（Back, behind）＋「继」（To succeed, to follow）
• Meaning: Describes a situation where, even if those in front fall, those behind continue to advance. It refers to many people successively moving forward for a certain purpose, unafraid of sacrifice. It is used to emphasize bravery, a spirit of sacrifice, and continuity.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「前赴后继」 contains the following nuances:

• Bravery: Expresses the courage to face difficulties and dangers without fear.
• Spirit of sacrifice: Means prioritizing the collective goal or a greater cause over personal interests.
• Continuity: Indicates that a certain purpose or undertaking continues uninterrupted across generations or through the efforts of many people.
• Unity: Implies that many people are cooperating and united towards a common goal.

3. Usage

「前赴后继」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Praise for heroic acts: Used to praise people who fought bravely in historical events such as wars or revolutions.
  • Example:「革命先烈们前赴后继，为新中国的诞生献出了宝贵的生命。」
    （Revolutionary martyrs advanced wave upon wave, sacrificing their precious lives for the birth of New China.）
• Tackling difficult undertakings: Used to encourage people engaged in difficult but important undertakings, such as scientific research or social movements.
  • Example:「科学家们前赴后继，攻克了一个又一个技术难关。」
    （Scientists pressed forward dauntlessly, overcoming one technical difficulty after another.）
• Inheritance of spirit and tradition: Can also describe a spirit or tradition being passed down through generations.
  • Example:「这种无私奉献的精神，一代代前赴后继，传承至今。」
    （This spirit of selfless dedication has been passed down from generation to generation, continuing to this day.）

Additional Examples:

1. 在抗洪抢险中，解放军战士们前赴后继，保护了人民群众的生命财产安全。
   （In flood control and emergency rescue, the PLA soldiers advanced wave upon wave, protecting the lives and property of the people.）
2. 为了实现中国梦，无数仁人志士前赴后继，不懈奋斗。
   （To realize the Chinese Dream, countless patriots pressed forward dauntlessly, striving tirelessly.）
3. 在教育事业中，教师们前赴后继，为国家培养了一批又一批优秀人才。
   （In the field of education, teachers one after another have cultivated many excellent talents for the country.）
4. 面对敌人的猛烈进攻，战士们毫无惧色，前赴后继地冲向敌阵。
   （Faced with the enemy's fierce attack, the soldiers showed no fear, advancing wave upon wave towards the enemy lines.）
5. 改革开放以来，一代代建设者前赴后继，创造了一个又一个奇迹。
   （Since the reform and opening up, generations of builders have pressed forward dauntlessly, creating one miracle after another.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Historical background: '前赴后继' emerged from describing the struggles of people facing difficult situations such as wars, revolutions, and disasters throughout China's long history. Therefore, this term strongly embodies the spirit of fighting bravely without fear of sacrifice.
• Modern meaning: Nowadays, '前赴后继' is used not only in the context of wars and revolutions but also in various fields such as scientific research, social movements, and economic development. It is widely used to describe many people cooperating and continuing their efforts towards difficult goals.
• Usage caution: '前赴后继' is often used in a positive context. However, it also implies that sacrifices and difficulties are involved. Therefore, when using this term, it is necessary to carefully judge whether the situation truly warrants the use of '前赴后继'.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 继往开来 (jì wǎng kāi lái): To inherit the past and usher in the future.
  • 薪火相传 (xīn huǒ xiāng chuán): Knowledge or skills being passed down from master to disciple through generations.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi): To give up halfway, to abandon something unfinished.
  • 畏首畏尾 (wèi shǒu wèi wěi): To be timid and hesitant, unable to act decisively.

6. Summary

'前赴后继' is a powerful idiom nurtured within Chinese history and culture. It teaches the importance of courage in facing difficulties, a spirit unafraid of sacrifice, and perseverance towards goals. Even in modern society, the spirit of '前赴后继' is needed in various fields. By correctly understanding and appropriately using this term, you can further enhance your Chinese expressive power.