The idiom "龙马精神" is formed by directly combining the two-character term "龙马", referring to a mythical dragon-horse symbolizing vigor and strength, with the two-character term "精神", meaning spirit or energy. The construction places "龙马" as a descriptive modifier before "精神", resulting in a literal meaning of "dragon-horse spirit", which metaphorically conveys an essence of boundless vitality and enthusiasm.