📖 Meaning
A metaphor for an outstanding hero among people—someone exceptional who stands out like a dragon or tiger among humans. It praises a person of extraordinary talent, ability, and nobility.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom traces back to the 'Book of Jin' (晋书), specifically the biography of Song Xian (宋纤传), where the phrase '人中之龙' (a dragon among men) was used to describe the recluse scholar Song Xian. The original remark states that after meeting him, one finally understood the gentleman to be a true dragon among men. Over time the expression expanded to '人中龙虎,' adding the tiger to convey both majesty and power, describing an outstanding figure who surpasses ordinary people.
💡 Example Usage
他才华横溢、胆识过人，堪称人中龙虎。
With his brilliant talent and remarkable courage, he can truly be called a dragon and tiger among men.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 人中龙虎
- Pinyin: rén zhōng lóng hǔ
- Literal Translation: person, among, dragon, tiger
- Category: Status
- Characters: 4