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
Straight (直) up (上) into the blue (青) clouds (云). 青云 is high office, and the difference from 平步青云 lies in which part is emphasised: that phrase notes the absence of effort, and this one the absence of detours. What is claimed here is a line — no sideways moves, no waiting, nothing that had to be gone around. A career that went where it was aimed — more straightforwardly admiring than its neighbour.
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
扶摇直上
fú yáo zhí shàng
Rise rapidly; soar straight up
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平步青云
píng bù qīng yún
Rise rapidly to high position
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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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名列前茅
míng liè qián máo
Rank among the best; be at the top
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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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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”.