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上马 (shàng mǎ) — to mount a horse; to start (a project, undertaking, etc.)

Definition

Literally 'mount a horse,' 上马 (shàngmǎ) extends figuratively to mean launching a project or initiative. As a verb phrase it can also be split with 了 or 的 between the two characters (上了马).

verb
to mount a horseto start (a project, undertaking, etc.)

Examples

  • ，。
    Tā shàng le mǎ, rán hòu màn màn qí zǒu le.
    He mounted the horse and then slowly rode away.
  • 上马。
    Zhè ge gōng chéng míng nián shàng mǎ.
    This project will start next year.
  • 上马。
    Tā shàng mǎ de dòng zuò hěn shú liàn.
    His movements in mounting a horse are very skillful.
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