中流砥柱 pillar of strength
Explanation
比喻坚强独立的人能在动荡艰难的环境中起支柱作用。
It is used to describe a strong and independent person who can play a supporting role in a turbulent and difficult environment.
Origin Story
传说黄河三门峡有一座砥柱山，屹立于河水中，即使河水奔腾咆哮，也无法撼动它分毫。大禹治水时，曾经过这里，他被砥柱山的巍峨壮观所震撼，并将其视为治水成功的象征。后来，人们便用“中流砥柱”来比喻那些在艰难困苦的环境中，依然能够坚持自我，不屈不挠的人。故事中体现了中国人民不畏艰难、顽强拼搏的精神。
Legend has it that there was a Di Zhu Mountain in the Three Gorges of the Yellow River, standing in the river. Even when the river water rushed and roared, it could not shake it in the slightest. When Yu the Great controlled the floods, he once passed here. He was shocked by the majestic and spectacular sight of Di Zhu Mountain and regarded it as a symbol of the success of flood control. Later, people used "Zhong Liu Di Zhu" to describe those who could still adhere to themselves and remained unyielding in difficult and harsh circumstances. The story embodies the spirit of the Chinese people who are not afraid of difficulties and fight hard.
Usage
常用作比喻，形容那些在艰苦环境中能够坚持自我，不屈不挠的人。
It's often used as a metaphor to describe those who can persist in themselves and remain unyielding in difficult circumstances.
Examples
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面对困难，他始终是中流砥柱，顶住压力。
mian dui kunnan, ta shizhong shi zhongliu dizhu, ding zhu yali.
In the face of difficulties, he has always been a pillar of strength, withstanding the pressure.
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这家公司在危机中，他如同中流砥柱，支撑着公司度过难关。
zhe jia gongsi zai weiji zhong, ta ruguo zhongliu dizhu, zhichengzhe gongsi duguo nanguan
During the crisis, he was the backbone of the company, supporting the company to overcome the difficulties.