投笔从戎
- Literal
- to throw down the brush and join the army
- Figurative
- To give up a scholarly or clerical career and enlist in the army to serve one's country; to throw down the pen for the sword, usually out of patriotism or a longing for greater deeds.
Where does 投笔从戎 come from?
In the Eastern Han dynasty, Ban Chao made his living as a copyist, transcribing documents for hire to support his family. Weary of the dull work of the brush, he one day threw down his pen and sighed that a real man should emulate Fu Jiezi and Zhang Qian, win honor in distant lands and earn a title, rather than waste away among ink and paper. He left his post, set out for the Western Regions, and through boldness and diplomacy subdued many kingdoms, securing the Silk Road for the Han. His exploits earned him the title of Marquis of Dingyuan.
Source (出处): 《后汉书·班超传》
How is 投笔从戎 used? Two examples
- 战争爆发后，很多大学生投笔从戎，报名参军。
When the war broke out, many university students threw down the pen for the sword and enlisted in the army.
- 他放弃了稳定的工作，决定投笔从戎，去保卫自己的国家。
He gave up his stable job and decided to throw down the pen for the sword to defend his country.
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