汗马功劳 Great merit
Explanation
“汗马功劳”是指在战场上建立的战功，现在也指辛勤工作做出的贡献。形容为国家或集体做出很大的贡献，功劳很大。
"Han Ma Gong Lao" literally means "sweat-horse merit", originally referring to military achievements. Now it also refers to contributions made through hard work. It describes significant contributions to the country or collective, signifying great merit.
Origin Story
西汉初年，刘邦建立汉朝后，萧何被封为丞相。一些武将不服，认为萧何没有上过战场，凭什么位高权重。刘邦笑着说：‘打猎时，追逐猎物的当然是猎犬，但找到猎物方向的，是猎人，你们是追逐猎物的猎犬，而萧何是那个指明方向的猎人啊！’萧何为汉朝的建立和巩固，出谋划策，运筹帷幄，立下了汗马功劳。这正是他“运筹帷幄之中，决胜千里之外”的体现。后人以此来比喻在幕后策划，运筹帷幄的功劳。
In the early Western Han Dynasty, after Liu Bang established the Han Dynasty, Xiao He was appointed Prime Minister. Some generals were dissatisfied, arguing that Xiao He had never been on the battlefield, so why did he hold such a high position. Liu Bang smiled and said, 'When hunting, it is the hunting dogs that chase the prey, but it is the hunter who determines the direction of the prey. You are the hunting dogs chasing the prey, while Xiao He is the one who points out the direction!' Xiao He made great contributions to the establishment and consolidation of the Han Dynasty with his strategies and wise decisions. This is a testament to his ability to “win thousands of miles away through strategic planning.” Later, this quote was used to describe the achievements of those who strategically plan in the background and make crucial contributions to success.
Usage
常用作宾语；指为国家或集体做出的巨大贡献。
Often used as an object; refers to great contributions made to the country or collective.
Examples
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他为国家做出了汗马功劳。
ta wei guojia zuochule hanma gonglao
He has made great contributions to the country.
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革命先烈们为新中国的建立立下了汗马功劳。
geming xianlie men wei xin zhongguo de jianli lixiale hanma gonglao
Revolutionary martyrs have made great contributions to the establishment of New China.