不遗余力
bù yí yú lì
Spare no effort
Literally: Not (不) leave behind (遗) remaining (余) strength (力)
In 15 Seconds
- Going all-in on a task or helping someone.
- Using every bit of strength without holding back.
- A sophisticated way to say 'spare no effort'.
Meaning
It means giving everything you've got to help someone or finish a task. It is that 'all-in' energy where you leave nothing on the table and hold nothing back.
Key Examples
3 of 6Thanking a mentor
老师不遗余力地指导我，才有了我的今天。
My teacher spared no effort in guiding me, which led to my success today.
A company mission statement
我们将不遗余力地为客户提供最好的服务。
We will spare no effort to provide the best service to our customers.
Asking a friend for a huge favor
只要你开口，我一定不遗余力地帮你。
As long as you ask, I will definitely do everything in my power to help.
Cultural Background
Highly valued in political and corporate rhetoric.
Context is key
Only use this in serious situations.
In 15 Seconds
- Going all-in on a task or helping someone.
- Using every bit of strength without holding back.
- A sophisticated way to say 'spare no effort'.
What It Means
Imagine you are pushing a stalled car uphill. You aren't just leaning on it; your face is red and your muscles are shaking. That is 不遗余力. It describes a total commitment of resources, time, or physical energy. It is the opposite of doing a 'half-baked' job. When you use this, you are telling the world that every ounce of effort was spent.
How To Use It
This phrase usually functions as an adverbial. You place it right before the verb or action you are describing. For example: 不遗余力地支持 (supporting without reservation). It sounds very polished and sincere. It is like adding a 'turbo' button to your verbs. Use it when you want to emphasize the intensity of an action.
When To Use It
You will hear this a lot in professional settings. Think of a boss praising a team after a successful launch. It is perfect for thank-you notes or wedding speeches. Use it when someone went above and beyond for you. It also works when discussing social causes or big personal goals. It shows you take the effort seriously.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for trivial, lazy tasks. If you just 'tried' to find the TV remote for two minutes, don't say 不遗余力. It will sound sarcastic or like you are a drama queen. Also, avoid it in very slang-heavy street talk. It is a bit too 'classy' for a casual 'hey, thanks for the fry' moment. Keep it for things that actually require sweat or deep focus.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记). It was originally used in a military and political context. It reflects a deep Chinese cultural value: the 'spirit of the ox.' This means working hard and being dedicated without complaining. In Chinese culture, the process and the effort often matter as much as the result.
Common Variations
While 不遗余力 is the gold standard, you might hear 全力以赴. That one means 'going all out' but feels slightly more athletic or action-oriented. Another is 竭尽全力, which literally means 'exhausting all strength.' 不遗余力 feels a bit more elegant and literary than the others. It is the 'tuxedo' of effort-related expressions.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register idiom. It is most effective in writing, speeches, or serious promises. Avoid using it in extremely casual slang-filled conversations unless you are being intentionally dramatic.
Context is key
Only use this in serious situations.
Examples
6老师不遗余力地指导我，才有了我的今天。
My teacher spared no effort in guiding me, which led to my success today.
Shows deep gratitude and acknowledges the mentor's total dedication.
我们将不遗余力地为客户提供最好的服务。
We will spare no effort to provide the best service to our customers.
Standard professional phrasing for commitment to quality.
只要你开口，我一定不遗余力地帮你。
As long as you ask, I will definitely do everything in my power to help.
A very strong promise that builds trust.
政府正不遗余力地改善空气质量。
The government is sparing no effort to improve air quality.
Used in news or formal discussions about policy.
为了抢到那张演唱会门票，我不遗余力地刷了一整天网页。
To grab that concert ticket, I spared no effort refreshing the page all day.
Using a formal phrase for a silly task creates a funny, dramatic effect.
这次合作，我会不遗余力地配合你们。
For this collaboration, I'll give my 100% to coordinate with you all.
Professional but warm, suitable for WeChat or email.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
为了赢得比赛，他____地训练。
The context requires an expression of total effort.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises为了赢得比赛，他____地训练。
The context requires an expression of total effort.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it's too formal. Use '努力' instead.
Related Phrases
竭尽全力
synonymExhaust all strength
