Definition
上马 is a separable verb (离合词) with two main senses: literally 'to mount a horse', and figuratively 'to start (a project, undertaking, etc.)'. In the literal sense, the verb 上 and object 马 can separate (e.g., 上了马 'mounted the horse'). In the figurative sense it is often used as a unit (项目上马 'project launched').
v.o.
to mount a horseto start (a project, undertaking, etc.)
Examples
- ，。Tā shàng le mǎ, ránhòu mànmàn qí zǒu le.He mounted the horse and then slowly rode away.
- 上马。Zhège gōngchéng míngnián shàng mǎ.This project will start next year.
- 上马。Tā shàng mǎ de dòngzuò hěn shúliàn.His movements in mounting a horse are very skillful.
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