紧锣密鼓

紧锣密鼓

Literally means:

wild beating of gongs and drums

Actually means:

concentrated preparations; intense public drive

In the old times, the gongs and drums were beat for three times before the performance began. In this way, the theater reminded the audience to enter the theater, be seated or quiet down. It figuratively means an intense or vehement process of operations one after another, especially of the preparation before the beginning of an event.

旧时戏院为提醒观众进场、入座或安静下来，在开演前打三遍节奏紧密的锣鼓。比喻热烈、紧张、一个细节接一个细节地进行或开展某项工作，尤其是正式活动开始之前的准备工作。