点石成金
点石成金 (diǎn shí chéng jīn) literally means “touch stone turn gold” and expresses “a tiny change that makes something excellent”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: dian shi cheng jin, dian shi cheng jin,点石成金 meaning, 点石成金 in english
A tiny change that makes something excellent
Pronunciation: diǎn shí chéng jīn Literal meaning: Touch stone turn gold
Origin & Usage
Daoist legend credits certain adepts with the power to touch (点) a stone (石) and make it gold (成金), and the phrase began as straightforward alchemy. Its most interesting life is literary: Song critics borrowed it for the editor's art, the single altered character that turns a flat line into a good one. That is still its best use. Teachers, editors and consultants — anyone whose contribution is small in volume and transforms the value of what was already there.
Examples
English: "His innovative ideas transformed the struggling company into a market leader."
Chinese: 他的创新想法把这家挣扎中的公司变成了市场领头羊。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
画龙点睛
huà lóng diǎn jīng
Add crucial finishing touch
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文不加点
wén bù jiā diǎn
Perfect execution without revision
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一石二鸟
yī shí èr niǎo
Two goals with one action
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金玉良言
jīn yù liáng yán
Valuable, lasting advice
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披沙拣金
pī shā jiǎn jīn
Find value among worthless
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一字千金
yī zì qiān jīn
Invaluable writing
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水滴石穿
shuǐ dī shí chuān
Persistence achieves anything
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枕石漱流
zhěn shí shù liú
Live as a recluse in the wild
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 点石成金 mean in English?
点石成金 (diǎn shí chéng jīn) literally translates to “Touch stone turn gold” and is used to express “A tiny change that makes something excellent”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 点石成金 used?
Situation: His innovative ideas transformed the struggling company into a market leader.
What is the pinyin for 点石成金?
The pinyin pronunciation for 点石成金 is “diǎn shí chéng jīn”.