東奔西走

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 東奔西走 is read as とうほんせいそう and is a four-character expression for running around busily in many directions to achieve a goal or handle numerous tasks.
• Basic usage: Effort toward a goal appears in 確保するため東奔西走する, while a busy period appears in 東奔西走の日々.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Figurative directions
  • East and west do not specify a literal route; they evoke rushing from place to place in sustained effort.
• Difference from 奔走
  • 奔走 also means making energetic efforts to accomplish something; 東奔西走 more vividly presents the bustle of running in all directions.