走马上任

走馬上任

zǒumǎ-shàngrèn

idiom #40,621

Meanings

1 to take up a new post
2 to assume office
3 to start a new position

Characters

to go; to ride (horse)

to go up; to take up

Examples

HSK 7-9

新任经理下个月走马上任。

Xīnrèn jīnglǐ xiàgeyuè zǒumǎshàngrèn.

The new manager will take up his post next month.

HSK 7-9

他刚刚走马上任，就开始大刀阔斧地改革。

Tā gānggāng zǒumǎshàngrèn, jiù kāishǐ dàdāokuòfǔ de gǎigé.

Right after assuming the position, he started reforming things drastically.

Tips

history

From Sun Guangxian's 《北梦琐言》 (Anecdotes from the Northern Dream, Song dynasty): 先以陈公走马赴任, describing an official 'riding a horse to his post.' In imperial times, riding to one's assigned post was the literal act; today the phrase is purely figurative for starting any new official role.

usage

Most natural for formal/leadership positions: managers, officials, directors. Don't use for an ordinary new employee; say 上班 or 入职 instead.

Stroke Order

走 zǒu

马 mǎ

上 shàng

任 rèn