九牛二虎之力

jiǔniú'èrhǔzhīlì

idiom

Meanings

1 the strength of nine oxen and two tigers
2 tremendous effort
3 Herculean strength

Characters

(possessive particle)

力

lì

strength

Examples

HSK 5

费了九牛二虎之力，终于说服了父母。

Fèi le jiǔniú'èrhǔzhīlì, zhōngyú shuōfú le fùmǔ.

After a huge effort, I finally convinced my parents.

HSK 7-9

我费了九牛二虎之力才把这个行李箱搬上楼。

Wǒ fèi le jiǔniú'èrhǔzhīlì cái bǎ zhège xínglǐxiāng bān shànglóu.

It took me enormous effort to get this suitcase up the stairs.

Tips

usage

Typical pattern: 费/花 + 九牛二虎之力 + 才/终于 ... Marks an accomplishment as hard-won, often with a hint of exasperation.

Stroke Order

九 jiǔ

牛 niú

二 èr

虎 hǔ

之 zhī

力 lì