와신상담이 · 와신상담을
enduring hardship to get revenge or reach a goal
Example
작년의 패배 이후 그는 와신상담 끝에 우승했어요.
After last year's defeat, he endured hardship and finally won the title.
Word parts
와 lie down+신 firewood+상 taste+담 gall
Literally 'sleeping on firewood, tasting gall' — ancient kings keeping their grudge alive.
Good to know
Common in sports news for a comeback after a painful loss.
Related words