also: いちにんとうぜん
being a match for a thousand
A yojijukugo describing a warrior so strong they can fight a thousand enemies alone. Used in historical or dramatic contexts.
He was truly a hero who could take on a thousand.
During the Warring States period, there were many commanders said to be a match for a thousand.
一騎当千 also means 'a match for a thousand,' but emphasizes a single mounted warrior; 一人当千 focuses on the individual person regardless of being on horseback.
Standard kanji spelling for this yojijukugo.
Alternate reading with rendaku; less common than いちにんとうせん.
A yojijukugo composed of 一人 (one person) + 当千 (to match a thousand). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern of praising extraordinary martial prowess.