凤毛麟角
凤毛麟角 (fèng máo lín jiǎo) literally means “phoenix feather unicorn horn” and expresses “extremely rare”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Extremely rare
Pronunciation: fèng máo lín jiǎo
Literal meaning: Phoenix feather unicorn horn
Origin & Usage
Combining two of the most rare mythical elements - phoenix (凤) feathers (毛) and unicorn/qilin (麟) horns (角) - this idiom emerged from Han Dynasty imperial court documents describing exceptional talents or items of extraordinary rarity. The phoenix and qilin were considered divine creatures whose appearances heralded golden ages. The metaphor gained prominence during the Tang Dynasty when it was used to describe exceptional scholars and artists. In contemporary usage, it describes extremely rare talents, opportunities, or resources, often in professional recruitment or when discussing unique innovations.
Examples
English: "Such exceptional talent is extremely rare in the industry"
Chinese: 这样杰出的人才在行业中非常罕见
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 凤毛麟角 mean in English?
凤毛麟角 (fèng máo lín jiǎo) literally translates to “Phoenix feather unicorn horn” and is used to express “Extremely rare”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 凤毛麟角 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving extremely rare.
What is the pinyin for 凤毛麟角?
The pinyin pronunciation for 凤毛麟角 is “fèng máo lín jiǎo”.