逆水行舟

nìshuǐxíngzhōu
  1. lit. navigating a boat against the current (idiom)
  2. fig. in a tough environment (one needs to work hard)

CEDICT

Entry Composition

1 逆水 nìshuǐ
  1. against the current
  2. upstream
2 行 xíng
  1. (bound form) to walk; to go; to travel
  2. (literary) trip; journey; visit
  3. (bound form) temporary; makeshift
  4. (bound form) current; in circulation
  5. (bound form) to do; to perform
  6. capable; competent
  7. all right; OK!; will do
  8. behavior; conduct (Taiwan pr. xìng)
  9. (literary) about to; soon
3 舟 zhōu boat