鹤立鸡群

Pronunciation: hè lì jī qún
Literal meaning: Crane stands among chickens

Origin & Usage

Han Dynasty observers first used this image of a crane standing (鹤立) among chickens (鸡群) to describe natural nobility amid the common. Unlike artificial status, it described innate distinction that becomes immediately apparent through contrast. Modern usage celebrates those whose natural excellence requires no advertisement.

Examples

English: "Her innovative solution distinguished her from conventional thinkers"

Chinese: 她的创新解决方案使她从传统思维者中脱颖而出

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