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Easy for elementary school students to remember! A four-character idiom that expresses the feeling of trying your best

Many elementary school students may be thinking, “I’m trying so hard, but I’m not seeing results…” Surely the adults around them, watching over their efforts, also want to offer the right words.

In these seven articles, we introduce four-character idioms that express children’s desire to “try hard” and their spirit of “persevering.” They’re easy for elementary schoolers to understand and useful in everyday life, so learn their origins too and let them motivate you in your studies and club activities!

Easy for elementary school students to remember! Four-character idioms that express the feeling of trying hard (71–80)

firm and decisive

Four-character idiom commentary and model calligraphy “Gōki Kadan (Firm and Resolute Decision)” by Professor Tamura Kizan
firm and decisive

Pronounced “gōkikadan,” this four-character idiom refers to having a strong, firm will, abundant spirit, and the decisiveness to take bold action.

Some children may hesitate and struggle to take the first step.

This idiom carries a message you might want to share with a child at such times.

If you send the message together with words that remind them they have supportive friends and family by their side, the sentiment may come across more clearly.

It’s one of those four-character idioms that helps nurture a strong heart as you watch over a child’s efforts and daily growth.

Dripping water wears through stone.

Preaching of raindrops: dripping water wears through stone
Dripping water wears through stone.

This is a four-character idiom that means even small efforts, if continued, lead to great results.

Like a single drop of water that bores a hole in stone over a long time, it symbolizes steady effort and the power of perseverance.

It carries the message that by repeating something many times, we can overcome difficulties, and though brief, it holds deep meaning.

Just hearing it reminds us of the importance of not giving up and continuing, and helps us feel how small accumulations will eventually lead to big outcomes.

It is a positive and empowering phrase that teaches us to value daily effort and challenges.

a sly old fox; a seasoned and cunning person

[Umisen-Yamasen] Meaning and example sentences of this four-character idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ 1 minute by video! Memorable♪
a sly old fox; a seasoned and cunning person

It’s a term born from the legend that a snake becomes a dragon after living a thousand years in the sea and mountains, and it refers to someone who is highly experienced and very accustomed to the ways of the world.

This four-character idiom conveys the wisdom and resilience of a person who has weathered many events, suggesting a strength that is not easily deceived or shaken.

Especially when imagining someone taking on challenges or remaining composed in the face of difficulties, the weight of this idiom becomes even more apparent.

It can be seen as a concise expression that encapsulates the value of experience cultivated over a long period of time.

A hundred flowers in full bloom

What is the four-character idiom “Hyakka Ryoran”? A simple explanation of its meaning.
A hundred flowers in full bloom

This four-character idiom describes the scene of many flowers blooming all at once, symbolizing diverse and dazzling talents and personalities shining brightly.

In sports, it perfectly fits the image of each team member fully showcasing their strengths to energize the game.

Moments in soccer when players display their skills through passing, dribbling, and shooting, or in a relay when everyone gives their all to pass the baton, are truly like a profusion of flowers in bloom.

It’s a lively and splendid expression that helps even elementary school children feel the joy of joining forces with friends and letting their unique personalities shine.

to devote oneself body and soul; to make every possible effort; with utmost dedication

[Konkokusai-shin] Meaning and example sentences of this four-character idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ Just 1 minute in a video! Memorable♪
to devote oneself body and soul; to make every possible effort; with utmost dedication

It is a phrase that means to put forth every ounce of effort, to the point of grinding your bones and exhausting yourself.

It symbolizes an attitude of using all the strength you have and never giving up until the very end, conveying strong determination and passion.

Despite being only four characters long, it expresses the importance of effort and seriousness.

For elementary school students, it teaches the mindset of giving their all in daily club activities and competitions.

It is a phrase that reminds us to take one step at a time and do our utmost even when facing difficulties.