逆水行舟

nìshuǐxíngzhōu

逆水行舟 — nìshuǐxíngzhōu

1. literally 'navigating a boat against the current'; figuratively, to struggle forward — one must work hard or else fall behind

   学习就像逆水行舟，不进则退。 xuéxí jiù xiàng nìshuǐxíngzhōu bùjìnzétuì — Study is like navigating a boat against the current; if you don't move forward you fall behind.