竭尽全力

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: jié jìn quán lì
• English Translation: To do one's utmost (To spare no effort)
• Idiom Composition: 「竭」（To exhaust or use up）＋「尽」（To finish or give everything）＋「全」（All, whole, or entire）＋「力」（Strength, power, or ability）
• Meaning: To use every ounce of one's strength and ability to accomplish a task. It describes a state of giving 100% and leaving nothing in reserve, emphasizing the process of trying one's hardest regardless of the final outcome.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「竭尽全力」 contains the following nuances:

• Effort to the Limit: Both 竭 (jié) and 尽 (jìn) mean 'to exhaust' or 'to use up,' emphasizing that no energy or resources are left behind.
• Seriousness and Devotion: It implies more than just 'working hard'; it suggests a total commitment of one's body and soul, often to resolve a crisis or reach a critical milestone.

3. Usage

「竭尽全力」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Goal Achievement & Task Execution: Used when declaring or describing the effort made to achieve the best possible result in work, projects, or sports.
  • Example:「为了赢得这场比赛，队员们都竭尽全力。」
    （To win this game, the team members are all doing their utmost.）
• Emergency Situations & Rescue: Frequently used in medical or disaster relief contexts where every possible effort is being made in a desperate situation.
  • Example:「医生们正在竭尽全力抢救伤员。」
    （The doctors are sparing no effort to save the injured.）
• Promises & Pledges: A sincere and weighty expression used when promising someone that you will do your absolute best.
  • Example:「请放心，我一定竭尽全力完成这项任务。」
    （Please rest assured, I will certainly give my all to complete this task.）

Additional Examples:

1. 虽然我们已经竭尽全力，但结果还是不尽如人意。
   （Although we did our absolute best, the results were still not as good as expected.）
2. 政府承诺将竭尽全力解决环境污染问题。
   （The government promised to spare no effort in solving the environmental pollution problem.）
3. 无论遇到什么困难，他都会竭尽全力去克服。
   （No matter what difficulties he encounters, he will do everything in his power to overcome them.）
4. 为了考上理想的大学，这三年来他竭尽全力地学习。
   （To get into his dream university, he has given his all to his studies over the past three years.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• 竭尽全力 (jié jìn quán lì) is a versatile idiom used in both formal writing and daily speech. While similar to 全力以赴 (quán lì yǐ fù), it carries a slightly stronger nuance of 'exhausting' one's resources, making it particularly suitable for high-stakes situations like rescue operations.
• The phrase has roots in historical texts like the Book of Song (宋书), yet it remains perfectly natural in modern Chinese. It can describe the efforts of an individual, an organization, or even a nation.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 全力以赴 (quán lì yǐ fù): To go all out; the most common and versatile synonym for giving full effort.link
  • 不遗余力 (bù yí yú lì): To spare no effort; literally 'to leave no strength remaining.'
  • 千方百计 (qiān fāng bǎi jì): To try every possible means or method.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 敷衍了事 (fū yǎn liǎo shì): To do a job half-heartedly or just go through the motions to avoid responsibility.
  • 三心二意 (sān xīn èr yì): Half-hearted or distracted; literally 'three hearts and two minds.'
  • 得过且过 (dé guò qiě guò): To muddle through, taking one day at a time without much thought for the future.link
  • 无所作为 (wú suǒ zuò wéi): To accomplish nothing; to be inactive and make no contribution.link

6. Summary

竭尽全力 (jié jìn quán lì) is a common idiom used to express putting forth one's maximum effort. Whether in work, studies, sports, or emergency situations, it conveys a strong sense of determination and sincerity. It is a highly positive term often used in formal pledges or to describe heroic dedication.