摩厉以须mó lì yǐ xūhave one’s weapon ready for use; sharpen one’s weapon on the whetstone and await one’s opportunity; sharpen one’s weapon in preparation; be combat ready
❍ 子革曰：“～，王出，吾刃将斩矣。”(《左传·昭十二年》1357)Zige replied，“I have been sharpening my weapon on the whetstone,to await my opportunity;when the King comes out,I will cut down his extravagence with the edge of it.” 摩厉以须mó lì yǐ xū摩厉：把刀磨快；须：等待。磨快了刀等待动手。比喻做好准备，待时而动。steel one’s blade, get ready for action |