📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a whirlwind rising steeply and spiraling upward to great heights, originally referring to a violent cyclone ascending from below. Metaphorically, it signifies a rapid and dramatic rise in power, status, or career, soaring to tremendous heights with unstoppable momentum.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from Zhuangzi's 'Wandering Beyond' (逍遥游), a foundational text of Daoist philosophy from the Warring States period. In the passage, Zhuangzi describes the great Peng bird rising on a whirlwind that spirals upward ninety thousand li into the sky. The phrase '抟扶摇而上者九万里' portrays the bird riding the violent ascending wind to reach incomprehensible heights. Over time, '扶摇万里' came to symbolize a swift and powerful ascent in one's career or fortunes.
💡 Example Usage
这家年轻的科技公司近年来扶摇万里，已成为行业龙头。
This young tech company has skyrocketed in recent years and has become an industry leader.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 扶摇万里
- Pinyin: fú yáo wàn lǐ
- Literal Translation: soaring, whirlwind, ten thousand, miles
- Category: Success
- Characters: 4