📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone whose talents, virtues, or achievements far exceed those of their peers, leaving them incomparable within their own generation or circle. It expresses an exceptional distinction that sets a person clearly above everyone else of the same standing or era.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a memorial to the throne by the Tang dynasty statesman and celebrated writer Zhang Shuo (张说), titled '为留守奏嘉禾表' (Memorial Reporting Auspicious Grain as Governor). In it, Zhang Shuo recounts the discovery of a rare multi-headed grain (嘉禾), considered a blessed omen of sagely rule. The line '逸辈殊伦，百宝骈滋于动植' declares that such surpassing wonders, unmatched in kind, accompany manifold treasures flourishing among plants and animals. The expression later came to be used as high praise for individuals of outstanding ability who stand far above their contemporaries.
💡 Example Usage
他的书法造诣逸辈殊伦，同龄人中无人能及。
His mastery of calligraphy is so far beyond his peers that no one of his generation comes close.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 逸辈殊伦
- Pinyin: yì bèi shū lún
- Literal Translation: surpass, peers, special, class
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4