📖 Meaning
To amaze everyone with a single brilliant act. Achieving sudden fame or success after a period of obscurity.
📜 Origin Story
King Zhuang of Chu was said to have been silent for three years before suddenly reforming the state and becoming a hegemon. A bird that doesn't fly for three years will soar to the sky when it finally does.
💡 Example Usage
他这次比赛一鸣惊人，夺得冠军。
He stunned everyone by winning the championship—a single astonishing cry.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 一鸣惊人
- Pinyin: yī míng jīng rén
- Literal Translation: one cry, astonish people
- Category: Success
- Characters: 4