long ribbon; long rope; metaphor for the responsibility to capture an enemy or serve the country
Meanings
3 senses · 6 examplesnoun
long ribbon; long cord
literaryLiteral meaning, describing a long, thin, often decorative strip of fabric.
The ceremonial hats of Han dynasty officials were secured with long ribbons.
Holding a long ribbon, she danced gracefully.
noun
long rope; long tether
literaryLiteral meaning for a long rope or binding cord, often found in classical texts.
The warrior grasped a long rope to bind the fierce tiger.
A long rope is needed to moor the boat.
noun
the duty to capture an enemy; the responsibility to serve the nation
literaryA classical, patriotic metaphor popularized by Mao Zedong's poem '清平乐·六盘山', which includes the line '今日长缨在手，何时缚住苍龙？'
Today we hold the long cord in our hands; when will we bind the azure dragon? (i.e., when will we achieve our revolutionary goal?)
Even a scholar has the ambition to request the long cord (to serve in battle).