noun
attacking in all directions; campaigning far and wide
A yojijukugo describing military campaigns or aggressive expansion in every direction. Often used figuratively for vigorous, wide-ranging activity.
その将軍は南征北伐の勢いで領土を広げた。
The general expanded his territory with campaigns in all directions.
彼はビジネスで南征北伐の活躍を見せている。
He is showing vigorous, wide-ranging activity in business.
Means 'in all directions' or 'everywhere', but without the military or aggressive nuance of 南征北伐.
A yojijukugo composed of 南 (south), 征 (subjugate), 北 (north), and 伐 (attack). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it follows a classical Chinese pattern of describing military expeditions in all cardinal directions.