Chinese idiom · 成语
养精蓄锐
Meaning
Nourish energy, store sharpness; prepare thoroughly.
Character by character
Origin and story
Literary usageThe expression combines maintaining one's energy with preserving the sharpness needed for action. In chapter 34 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a military plan proposes waiting half a year to build up strength before moving against Liu Biao and Sun Quan. The point is that a pause can serve readiness rather than signal abandonment of a goal.
Another exact use in Er Nü Ying Xiong Zhuan, also chapter 34, describes sleeping to prepare for subsequent examination sessions. These literary examples show how the phrase extends from armies to individual effort. These are literary uses rather than a single founding historical event.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
明天要参加比赛，今晚早点休息，养精蓄锐。
The competition is tomorrow, so rest early tonight and build up your energy.
Resting and conserving strength in preparation for later effort.