# 汗马功劳

hàn mǎ gōng láo

Make an outstanding contribution through hard work

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Merit earned by a sweating horse

**Traditional Chinese:** 汗馬功勞

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Praise major service or achievement.

More substantial than routine participation.

## Understanding the expression

A sweating horse suggests exertion in demanding service, and the merit belongs to effort that achieves something important. Modern usage is not limited to military accomplishment. A researcher, organizer, or technician can earn this praise through a major contribution to a shared success. The expression is strong, so ordinary attendance is usually insufficient. It also reminds listeners that visible leaders may depend on substantial work performed by others behind the scenes.

## Examples

她为项目立下汗马功劳。

### Traditional Chinese

她為項目立下汗馬功勞。

tā wèi xiàng mù lì xià hàn mǎ gōng láo 。

She made an outstanding contribution to the project.

老工程师为修桥立下汗马功劳。

### Traditional Chinese

老工程師為修橋立下汗馬功勞。

lǎo gōng chéng shī wèi xiū qiáo lì xià hàn mǎ gōng láo 。

The veteran engineer made a major contribution to building the bridge.

幕后团队同样有汗马功劳。

### Traditional Chinese

幕後團隊同樣有汗馬功勞。

mù hòu tuán duì tóng yàng yǒu hàn mǎ gōng láo 。

The team behind the scenes also deserves credit for major contributions.

这次夺冠，他立下汗马功劳。

### Traditional Chinese

這次奪冠，他立下汗馬功勞。

zhè cì duó guàn ， tā lì xià hàn mǎ gōng láo 。

He played an outstanding role in winning the championship.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%B1%97%E9%A6%AC%E5%8A%9F%E5%8B%9E)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=821&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [好逸恶劳 hào yì wù láo Prefer ease and avoid work ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/hao-yi-wu-lao)

- [厚积薄发 hòu jī bó fā Build a strong foundation before producing results ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/hou-ji-bo-fa)

- [后起之秀 hòu qǐ zhī xiù An outstanding emerging talent ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/hou-qi-zhi-xiu)

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