📖 Meaning
Four mythical creatures traditionally symbolizing longevity, nobility, and auspiciousness. Used metaphorically to describe a person of high status whose virtue covers the whole world. Conveys supreme respect for someone's moral standing and distinguished position.
📜 Origin Story
The four creatures—turtle (龟), dragon (龙), qilin (麟), and phoenix (凤)—were revered in classical Chinese culture as the most auspicious spiritual beasts, each embodying a cardinal virtue. This grouping appears in texts such as the Book of Rites and Han-dynasty commentaries on omens and portents. Over time, the phrase came to represent not only good fortune but also the ideal of a sage ruler or minister whose virtue was so great that these sacred animals would appear as signs of a golden age.
💡 Example Usage
他德高望重，堪称龟龙麟凤，深受众人敬仰。
He is highly respected and virtuous, truly like the turtle, dragon, qilin, and phoenix, deeply revered by all.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 龟龙麟凤
- Pinyin: guī lóng lín fèng
- Literal Translation: turtle, dragon, qilin, phoenix
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4