diligent in government; work tirelessly from dawn to dusk
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to dress before dawn and eat after dark; to be diligent in attending to government affairs
formalOriginally described ancient rulers who worked hard for the state. Now used to describe anyone who works diligently and tirelessly, especially in public service.
Zǒng总
lǐ理
xiāo宵
yī衣
gàn旰
shí食
，
wéi为
guó国
shì事
cāo操
láo劳
。
The Premier worked tirelessly day and night, toiling over state affairs.
Zhè这
wèi位
guān官
yuán员
xiāo宵
yī衣
gàn旰
shí食
，
shēn深
shòu受
bǎi百
xìng姓
ài爱
dài戴
。
This official worked diligently from dawn to dusk, deeply loved by the people.
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Gǔ古
dài代
xián贤
míng明
de的
jūn君
zhǔ主
cháng常
cháng常
xiāo宵
yī衣
gàn旰
shí食
，
qín勤
yú于
zhèng政
shì事
。
Ancient wise monarchs often worked tirelessly from dawn to dusk, diligent in governmental duties.