sharpen by grinding; temper oneself
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to sharpen by grinding; to hone (tools); (figurative) to temper or steel oneself through hardship
Literally used for sharpening knives or swords; figuratively used for self-cultivation and character building through adversity.
Tā他
zhī知
dào道
zhǐ只
yǒu有
shí时
shí时
kè刻
kè刻
mó磨
lì砺
zì自
jǐ己
，
cái才
néng能
zhàn战
shèng胜
gèng更
dà大
de的
kùn困
nan难
。
He knew that only by constantly tempering himself could he overcome greater difficulties.
Bǎo宝
jiàn剑
fēng锋
cóng从
mó磨
lì砺
chū出
，
méi梅
huā花
xiāng香
zì自
kǔ苦
hán寒
lái来
。
The edge of a sword is sharpened through grinding, while the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold.
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Duō多
nián年
de的
jūn军
lǚ旅
shēng生
yá涯
mó磨
lì砺
le了
tā他
de的
yì意
zhì志
。
Years of military life tempered his will.
Zhǐ只
yǒu有
zài在
jiān艰
nán难
de的
huán环
jìng境
zhōng中
mó磨
lì砺
，
cái才
néng能
chéng成
zhǎng长
wéi为
zhēn真
zhèng正
de的
qiáng强
zhě者
。
Only by tempering oneself in difficult circumstances can one grow into a truly strong person.