📖 Meaning
To stand out from the crowd and rise above one's peers. It describes someone whose abilities or qualities are far superior to those of ordinary people in the same group.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase appears in Qing dynasty literature, notably in Xia Jingqu's novel 'Yesou Puyan' (A Rustic's Cudgel), where it describes a character whose literary talents are so extraordinary that they transcend the normal category of talented individuals. The expression combines the ideas of 'exceeding the multitude' and 'standing out from one's class.' It has been used by later writers such as Mao Dun to praise exceptional figures.
💡 Example Usage
他在学术界的成就超群拔类，令人钦佩不已。
His achievements in academia are outstanding, beyond comparison with his peers, earning him deep admiration.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 超群拔类
- Pinyin: chāo qún bá lèi
- Literal Translation: surpass, crowd, pull out, class
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4