To have rendered outstanding service through hard work and toil; to have achieved great merits despite arduous efforts.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
Towards the end of the Qin Dynasty, after Liu Bang's army captured the Qin capital Xianyang, he stationed his troops at Hangu Pass.
Xiang Yu, upon hearing that Liu Bang had occupied Xianyang, was furious and arranged a banquet at Hongmen to invite Liu Bang.
During the feast, Xiang Zhuang performed a sword dance, intending to seize the opportunity to kill Liu Bang.
Fan Kuai quickly drew his own sword and stepped forward, saying to Xiang Yu, "The Duke of Pei (Liu Bang) respectfully awaited your arrival and has not yet been enfeoffed, yet you intend to kill such a person who has toiled hard and achieved great merits?"