声誉鹊起

shēng yù què qǐ
Literal: "reputation, fame, magpie, rise"

📖 Meaning

This idiom describes a person's reputation or fame rising rapidly and conspicuously. The imagery likens the sudden surge in prestige to a flock of magpies taking flight all at once. It is used to praise someone whose standing has grown quickly and notably.

📜 Origin Story

This is a modern idiom without a specific classical origin story. The expression combines '声誉' (reputation) with '鹊起' (magpies rising), drawing on the vivid image of a flock of magpies suddenly bursting upward from the treetops. Magpies are traditionally considered auspicious birds in Chinese culture, so their rising conveys a positive, energetic ascent. The phrase gained common usage in modern Chinese to characterize swift growth in public recognition.

💡 Example Usage

这部小说出版后,作者声誉鹊起,成为文坛新秀。

After the novel was published, the author's reputation rose rapidly, making them a rising star in the literary world.

🏷️ Category

➕ Similar Idioms

➖ Opposite Idioms

🔤 Quick Facts

  • Chinese: 声誉鹊起
  • Pinyin: shēng yù què qǐ
  • Literal Translation: reputation, fame, magpie, rise
  • Category: Status
  • Characters: 4