枕戈待旦

枕戈待旦 [zhěn gē dài dàn]

1. ■ make a pillow of one's spear waiting for daybreak; all set to start the battle; be combat-ready during the whole night; be on 24-hour standby;

2. ■ il [be ready] for an emergency; await eagerly the order for battle; lie with one's head pillowed on a spear, waiting for day to break -- to be ready for battle; maintain combat readiness; on the alert at all hours;

3. ■ firearms as pillows till dawn; sleep on one's arms till morning; sleep with one's weapon as pillow; sleep without undressing; with spear for pillow awaiting dawn