大名鼎鼎

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: dà míng dǐng dǐng
• English Translation: Famous, well-known, renowned
• Idiom Composition: 「大」（Big, great）＋「名」（Reputation, name）＋「鼎」（An ancient tripod vessel; here it symbolizes prominence or flourishing.）＋「鼎」（An ancient tripod vessel; here it symbolizes prominence or flourishing.）
• Meaning: Describes someone or something with an extremely great reputation. It means being widely known and famous, used for people or things.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「大名鼎鼎」 contains the following nuances:

• Overwhelming fame: Indicates recognition that goes beyond mere fame, widely acknowledged in a field or society at large.
• Authority and respect: Since the '鼎' was a symbol of power and status in ancient China, the idiom implies not only fame but also authority and respect.
• Outstanding achievements: Often, the reputation is based on exceptional accomplishments or achievements.

3. Usage

「大名鼎鼎」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Evaluating people: Used to describe outstanding individuals in a field or those widely known in society.
  • Example:「他是一位大名鼎鼎的科学家。」
    （He is a renowned scientist.）
• Evaluating things or places: Can be used for famous places, historical events, well-known brands or companies, not just people.
  • Example:「这家餐厅大名鼎鼎，每天都座无虚席。」
    （This restaurant is very famous and is fully booked every day.）
• Emphatic expression: Used to emphasize the high level of fame of a person or thing.
  • Example:「这个消息一出，立刻引起了大名鼎鼎的媒体的关注。」
    （As soon as this news broke, it immediately attracted the attention of the prestigious media.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这位大名鼎鼎的演员，一出场就赢得了观众的热烈掌声。
   （This famous actor received enthusiastic applause from the audience as soon as he appeared.）
2. 这部电影由一位大名鼎鼎的导演执导，备受期待。
   （This movie is directed by a renowned director and is highly anticipated.）
3. 这座大名鼎鼎的博物馆，收藏了许多珍贵的文物。
   （This famous museum houses many precious cultural relics.）
4. 他在商界大名鼎鼎，是一位成功的企业家。
   （He is well-known in the business world and is a successful entrepreneur.）
5. 这项技术在国际上大名鼎鼎，引领了行业的发展。
   （This technology is internationally renowned and leads the development of the industry.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Symbolism of '鼎': The '鼎' is an ancient Chinese bronze vessel symbolizing royal authority and power. Therefore, '鼎鼎' implies not only greatness but also authority and importance.
• Usage context: This idiom is relatively formal and is more often used in written language or speeches rather than everyday conversation.
• Avoid overuse: It should only be used for subjects that are truly widely known and respected. Overusing it can give an exaggerated impression.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 赫赫有名 (hè hè yǒu míng): Having a very high reputation.
  • 名扬四海 (míng yáng sì hǎi): Having a reputation known throughout the world.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 默默无闻 (mò mò wú wén): Being completely unknown.
  • 无名小卒 (wú míng xiǎo zú): An insignificant or unknown person.

6. Summary

'大名鼎鼎' is an idiom that expresses a reputation beyond mere fame, conveying overwhelming renown along with authority and respect. This meaning is deeply connected to the cultural significance of the '鼎' in ancient China. Using this idiom appropriately allows you to effectively communicate the excellence and importance of a person or thing.