青云直上
青云直上 (qīng yún zhí shàng) literally means “blue clouds straight up” and expresses “rise quickly to high position”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: qing yun zhi shang, qing yun zhi shang,青云直上 meaning, 青云直上 in english
Rise quickly to high position
Pronunciation: qīng yún zhí shàng Literal meaning: Blue clouds straight up
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes going straight (直) up (上) to blue (青) clouds (云). Similar to 平步青云, it depicts rapid ascent to high positions. The directness of 直 emphasizes the speed and lack of detours. Modern usage describes rapid promotion and career advancement, rising directly to the top without setbacks.
Examples
English: "Her talent propelled her rapidly through the ranks."
Chinese: 她的才华让她青云直上。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
一鸣惊人
yī míng jīng rén
Sudden, remarkable success
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百折不挠
bǎi zhé bù náo
Unshakeable despite adversity
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水滴石穿
shuǐ dī shí chuān
Persistence achieves anything
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门庭若市
mén tíng ruò shì
Extremely popular
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天道酬勤
tiān dào chóu qín
Heaven rewards diligence
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破釜沉舟
pò fǔ chén zhōu
Commit with no retreat
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守时如金
shǒu shí rú jīn
Value time preciously
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青出于蓝
qīng chū yú lán
Student surpasses master
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 青云直上 mean in English?
青云直上 (qīng yún zhí shàng) literally translates to “Blue clouds straight up” and is used to express “Rise quickly to high position”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 青云直上 used?
Situation: Her talent propelled her rapidly through the ranks.
What is the pinyin for 青云直上?
The pinyin pronunciation for 青云直上 is “qīng yún zhí shàng”.