make small contributions to a grand cause; do one's bit
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to make a small contribution to a grand cause; to add one's bit
neutralOriginally referring literally to adding bricks and tiles to a building; now used figuratively for contributing to large-scale endeavors. Often used in political, patriotic, or collective contexts to express modesty about one's contribution.
Wǒ我
men们
yào要
wèi为
guó国
jiā家
de的
jīng经
jì济
jiàn建
shè设
tiān添
zhuān砖
jiā加
wǎ瓦
。
We must do our bit for the country's economic construction.
Měi每
gè个
rén人
de的
nǔ努
lì力
dōu都
shì是
zài在
wèi为
shè社
huì会
de的
jìn进
bù步
tiān添
zhuān砖
jiā加
wǎ瓦
。
Everyone's efforts are contributing to the progress of society.
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Suī虽
rán然
lì力
liàng量
wēi微
bó薄
，
dàn但
yě也
xiǎng想
wèi为
zhè这
xiàng项
shì事
yè业
tiān添
zhuān砖
jiā加
wǎ瓦
。
Although my strength is limited, I still want to contribute to this cause.
Zhì志
yuàn愿
zhě者
men们
yòng用
zì自
jǐ己
de的
xíng行
dòng动
wèi为
shè社
qū区
jiàn建
shè设
tiān添
zhuān砖
jiā加
wǎ瓦
。
The volunteers are adding their bit to community building through their actions.