Definition

Noun: - Sword and bow: A classical compound term referring literally to a sword and a bow, representing traditional hand-held weapons. - Weapons (in general): Used in a broader, more abstract sense to mean weapons or armaments collectively. - Military profession; martial pursuits: By extension, refers to the profession of arms, a military career, or the sphere of martial arts and warfare, often contrasted with literary or scholarly pursuits.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal): (The museum displays many types of ancient swords and bows.)
• Noun (Abstract/Profession): (He abandoned the literary path to follow the military profession.)
• Noun (In a classical context): ("To lay aside the brush and inkstone for the career of sword and bow" was a major decision.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in literary, historical, or formal contexts to evoke a classical dichotomy between the scholarly (represented by the pen/brush) and the martial (represented by sword and bow).
• It can symbolize a shift from peaceful, intellectual endeavors to a life of conflict, soldiering, or active struggle.

Variants and Related Words

• Binh khí (n): weaponry, arms. A more general modern term for weapons.
• Võ nghiệp (n): martial career. A term focusing on the profession itself.
• Cung kiếm (n): bow and sword. A less common variant with the same meaning.

Synonyms

• Weapons: Implements used for fighting or defense.
• Arms: A formal term for weapons, especially as used by the military.
• Martial profession: A career or life dedicated to military or combat arts.

Related Idioms and Classical Phrases

• Bỏ bút nghiên theo nghiệp kiếm cung: To abandon scholarly studies for a soldier's life; to exchange the pen for the sword.
  • Trong thời loạn, nhiều trí thức đã bỏ bút nghiên theo nghiệp kiếm cung. (In times of turmoil, many intellectuals exchanged the pen for the sword.)

1. Sword and bow, weapons (nói khái quát)
   • Bỏ bút nghiêng theo nghiệp kiếm cung
     To let down one's pen and ink-slab for weapons, to give up one's academic studies for the fighting
2. Military career