名列前茅
名列前茅 (míng liè qián máo) literally means “name listed among the front reeds” and expresses “rank among the best; be at the top”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: ming lie qian mao, ming lie qian mao,名列前茅 meaning, 名列前茅 in english
Rank among the best; be at the top
Pronunciation: míng liè qián máo Literal meaning: Name listed among the front reeds
Origin & Usage
An army on the march sent its forward party ahead carrying reeds (茅) as signals, and to be listed (列) among that front (前) group was to be at the very head of the column. Having one's name (名) there became the way of saying one had come out at the top. Examination results, league tables and sales figures — and it is worth noticing that it does not claim first place: the front rank is a band rather than a position, so what is being asserted is membership of the leading group.
Examples
English: "She consistently ranked at the top of her class."
Chinese: 她的成绩一直名列前茅。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
三顾茅庐
sān gù máo lú
Sincere invitation
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后来居上
hòu lái jū shàng
Latecomers surpass the early starters
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独当一面
dú dāng yī miàn
Capable of taking charge independently
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励精图治
lì jīng tú zhì
Work hard to improve governance
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死而后已
sǐ ér hòu yǐ
Continue until death; lifelong commitment
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任重道远
rèn zhòng dào yuǎn
Heavy burden and long journey ahead
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扶摇直上
fú yáo zhí shàng
Rise rapidly; soar straight up
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青云直上
qīng yún zhí shàng
Rise quickly to high position
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 名列前茅 mean in English?
名列前茅 (míng liè qián máo) literally translates to “Name listed among the front reeds” and is used to express “Rank among the best; be at the top”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 名列前茅 used?
Situation: She consistently ranked at the top of her class.
What is the pinyin for 名列前茅?
The pinyin pronunciation for 名列前茅 is “míng liè qián máo”.