📖 Meaning
To have grand ambitions that soar to the clouds. It describes someone with magnificent and far-reaching ideals or aspirations. The idiom conveys a powerful sense of determination and vision.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the Han Dynasty, recorded in the Book of Han (汉书·扬雄传下). Emperor Wu of Han was fond of immortals and the supernatural. The poet Sima Xiangru presented his 'Rhapsody on the Great Man' (大人赋) intending to subtly critique the emperor's obsession, but Emperor Wu instead became inspired and felt his own ambitions soaring to the clouds. The anecdote gave rise to the expression of having 'ambitions that reach the clouds.'
💡 Example Usage
他年纪轻轻就壮志凌云，立志要创办一家改变世界的科技公司。
Though young, he harbors soaring ambitions and is determined to found a technology company that will change the world.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 壮志凌云
- Pinyin: zhuàng zhì líng yún
- Literal Translation: lofty, ambition, soar, clouds
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4