发愤图强 make great efforts to become stronger
Explanation
指下定决心，努力使国家强盛起来。
To make up one's mind and strive to make the country stronger.
Origin Story
春秋时期，吴国打败了越国，越王勾践被俘。在吴国做了三年奴隶后，勾践被释放回国。回国后，勾践卧薪尝胆，励精图治，终于使越国强大起来，后来打败了吴国，报了灭国之仇。勾践的故事告诉我们，一个人只要发愤图强，就能克服困难，取得成功。
During the Spring and Autumn period, the Kingdom of Wu defeated Yue and King Goujian was captured. After three years as a slave in Wu, Goujian was released and returned to his country. After his return, Goujian practiced self-discipline and strived to govern Yue, and eventually made Yue strong and later defeated Wu to avenge the destruction of his country. Goujian's story teaches us that as long as one is determined to work hard, one can overcome difficulties and achieve success.
Usage
形容一个人努力向上，奋发图强，力争上游的精神状态。
Describes the state of striving for the top, making great efforts to improve oneself, and winning a competition.
Examples
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他发愤图强，终于考上了理想的大学。
tā fāfèn túqiáng, zhōngyú kǎoshàngle lǐxiǎng de dàxué.
He worked hard and finally got admitted to his dream university.
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国家发愤图强，大力发展科技。
guójiā fāfèn túqiáng, dàlì fāzhǎn kējì.
The country worked hard and made great strides in technology.
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公司发愤图强，积极开拓市场。
gōngsī fāfèn túqiáng, jījí kāituò shìchǎng
The company worked hard to expand the market.