📖 Meaning
An extraordinary talent that surpasses all others in the world. It describes someone whose abilities are peerless and unmatched in their era. The phrase conveys the highest praise for a person's exceptional gifts.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Song dynasty scholar Su Shi's essay 'On the Marquis of Liu' (留侯论). Su Shi wrote about Zhang Liang (courtesy name Zifang), who possessed talent that could overshadow the entire world. However, instead of adopting the grand strategies of legendary ministers like Yi Yin and Jiang Ziyu, Zhang Liang resorted to the desperate tactics of assassins like Jing Ke and Nie Zheng, narrowly escaping death—something the old man on the bridge deeply regretted. The essay reflects on how even heaven-sent talent must be tempered with wisdom and patience.
💡 Example Usage
他年纪轻轻便展现出盖世之才，令所有前辈叹服不已。
Though still young, he displayed peerless talent that left all his elders in awe.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 盖世之才
- Pinyin: gài shì zhī cái
- Literal Translation: cover, world, 's, talent
- Category: Talent
- Characters: 4