Chinese Idiom: 千锤百炼 (Qian Chui Bai Lian)
English Translation: A Thousand Forgings and Refinements
pīn yīn: qiān chuí bǎi liàn
Idiom Meaning: Refers to the process of meticulous and repeated revision of literary works or to the experience of enduring numerous hardships and tests. “锤” and “炼” are metaphors for removing impurities through intense labor, like forging iron and refining steel.
Historical Source: Chong Zeng Lu Shen (《重赠卢谌》) by Liu Kun, Jin Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
Liu Kun, styled Yue Shi, was a patriot from the nobility of Zhongshan, Wei Chang (modern-day northeast of Wujin County, Hebei). He aspired to restore the Jin dynasty and held various significant military and governmental posts. Despite his efforts and dedication, he faced numerous battles and struggles. His life was cut short when he was killed by Duan Pibei, the Inspector of Youzhou, at the age of forty-eight.
In a poem he wrote to express his gratitude to his subordinate Lu Shen (styled Zi Liang), Liu Kun reflected on his own aspirations and the unfulfilled accomplishments of his life. The poem, composed of thirty lines, includes a notable excerpt in the latter part:
“Time does not wait for me, flowing away like drifting clouds.
The red fruits and lush flowers are all shattered by the autumn wind.
On the narrow road, startled horses overturn the cart, breaking the shafts.
Unexpectedly, steel that had undergone a thousand forgings has now become as soft as to wrap around a finger.”
Liu Kun used these lines to express his frustration and sorrow over his unfulfilled ambitions and his struggles despite his relentless efforts.
Later, the phrase “What a pity, hardened steel has become soft and pliable” was simplified to the idiom “千锤百炼” (“A thousand forgings and refinements”), symbolizing the intense and repeated efforts required to achieve excellence or endure hardship.
