Chinese idiom · 成语
如虎添翼
Meaning
Like a tiger gaining wings; greatly enhanced strength.
Character by character
Origin and story
Military metaphorThe military text Jiang Yuan, traditionally attributed to Zhuge Liang, compares a commander who possesses real military authority to a fierce tiger given wings. With that authority, the commander can direct forces effectively; without it, the text says, he resembles a fish or dragon taken out of the water. This is an argument about the power to command, not a tale of an actual winged animal.
The source uses a longer comparison rather than the exact modern four-character wording. The resulting idiom describes new support increasing an already strong person's or group's capabilities. It can apply to beneficial or dangerous power, depending on who receives the advantage.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
有了这位经验丰富的剪辑师，我们的视频团队如虎添翼。
With this experienced editor joining us, our video team is stronger than ever.
An added advantage strengthens someone already capable.