134Japanese idiom 四字熟語
臥薪嘗胆
がしんしょうたんGashin shōtan
“Sleeping on firewood, tasting gall.”
The meaning
Imposing discomfort on oneself so as not to forget one's aim: thus the ancient kings kept their resolve alive. Today the phrase means long years of effort accepted for a goal.
At the origin
A Chinese story of the kings of Wu and Yue, now a common expression for long-haul perseverance.
The characters
In practice
Keep a daily reminder of your long-term goal in sight.
Editorial note
Ancient Chinese story.