# 披荆斩棘

pī jīng zhǎn jí

Overcome obstacles while forging a path

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Push through thorny growth and cut brambles

**Traditional Chinese:** 披荊斬棘

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

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

## When to use it

Praise determined progress through difficult conditions.

Needs real obstacles, not merely ordinary activity.

## Understanding the expression

Dense thorny growth blocks the way and must be cleared before movement is possible. The expression describes persistent effort through difficulties, especially when opening a new path for oneself or others. It suits research, entrepreneurship, and campaigns that face substantial barriers. The praise is about overcoming obstacles, not pretending they never existed. Cooperation and support can be part of that effort; the image does not require a lone hero doing everything without help.

## Examples

她披荆斩棘，建立了乡村诊所。

### Traditional Chinese

她披荊斬棘，建立了鄉村診所。

tā pī jīng zhǎn jí ， jiàn lì le xiāng cūn zhěn suǒ 。

She overcame many obstacles to establish the rural clinic.

团队披荆斩棘，完成首次实验。

### Traditional Chinese

團隊披荊斬棘，完成首次實驗。

tuán duì pī jīng zhǎn jí ， wán chéng shǒu cì shí yàn 。

The team worked through difficulties to complete the first experiment.

他一路披荆斩棘，终于毕业。

### Traditional Chinese

他一路披荊斬棘，終於畢業。

tā yí lù pī jīng zhǎn jí ， zhōng yú bì yè 。

He overcame obstacles along the way and finally graduated.

前辈披荆斩棘，为新人开路。

### Traditional Chinese

前輩披荊斬棘，為新人開路。

qián bèi pī jīng zhǎn jí ， wèi xīn rén kāi lù 。

Earlier generations cleared obstacles and opened a path for newcomers.

## 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%8A%AB%E8%8D%8A%E6%96%AC%E6%A3%98)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=947&webMd=1&la=0)

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