平步青云

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: píng bù qīng yún
• English Translation: Stepping into the blue clouds (a meteoric rise)
• Idiom Composition: 「平」（Flat or level ground, representing a starting point or a smooth path.）＋「步」（To step or walk, implying the ease of the movement.）＋「青」（Blue or azure.）＋「云」（Clouds. Together with 青 (qīng), the term 青云 (qīng yún) refers to the high sky, symbolizing high official rank or noble aspirations.）
• Meaning: To rise to a high position or social status very quickly and effortlessly, as if stepping from flat ground directly into the high clouds.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「平步青云」 contains the following nuances:

• Rapid Advancement: Unlike a standard step-by-step career progression, this idiom emphasizes a 'leap' that bypasses the usual intermediate stages.
• Emphasis on Ease: The inclusion of 平步 (píng bù), meaning 'walking on flat ground,' suggests that the ascent was smooth and lacked significant obstacles or struggle.
• The Symbolism of 'Blue Clouds': In Chinese culture, 青云 (qīng yún) or 'blue clouds' traditionally represents high social status, high-ranking government positions, or noble, high-minded ambitions.

3. Usage

「平步青云」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Career Success: Used to describe someone in business or bureaucracy who has achieved an unusually fast promotion.
  • Example:「他凭借出色的业绩，在公司里平步青云，三年内就升到了副总裁。」
    （With his outstanding performance, he rose rapidly through the ranks at the company, becoming Vice President within three years.）
• Wishes and Aspirations: Used as a congratulatory remark for someone starting a new role or to express one's own ambitions.
  • Example:「祝你在新的岗位上平步青云，前程似锦！」
    （I wish you a meteoric rise in your new position and a brilliant future!）
• Irony or Jealousy: Used to criticize or question a promotion that seems unearned or based on connections.
  • Example:「大家都不知道他有什么本事，竟然能平步青云。」
    （No one knows what skills he actually has, yet he managed to skyrocket to the top.）

Additional Examples:

1. 在这个竞争激烈的行业，想要平步青云并非易事。
   （In this highly competitive industry, it is not easy to rise to the top quickly.）
2. 自从得到了董事长的赏识，他的仕途便平步青云。
   （Ever since he gained the Chairman's favor, his political career has soared.）
3. 许多年轻人梦想着一夜之间平步青云，却忽略了脚踏实地的重要性。
   （Many young people dream of achieving instant success, but they overlook the importance of staying grounded.）
4. 这本小说讲述了一个穷书生进京赶考，最终平步青云的故事。
   （This novel tells the story of a poor scholar who goes to the capital for the imperial exams and eventually attains high office.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The idiom originates from the Records of the Grand Historian (史记), specifically the 'Biographies of Fan Ju and Cai Ze' (范雎蔡泽列传). It tells the story of Fan Ju (范雎), who was once humiliated but later became the Chancellor of the Qin State. His former tormentor was shocked to see him in such a high position, remarking that he never expected Fan Ju to reach the 'blue clouds.'
• The concept of 青云 (qīng yún) is a common East Asian cultural metaphor for high status and noble aspirations, often appearing in classical poetry and literature.
• In modern usage, while it can be a positive description of success, it often carries a slight nuance of 'luck' or 'smooth sailing,' sometimes implying the person didn't have to face the typical hardships of the climb.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 飞黄腾达 (fēi huáng téng dá): To achieve rapid success and rise to a high position; 'Feihuang' is the name of a legendary divine horse.link
  • 扶摇直上 (fú yáo zhí shàng): To rise directly upward like a whirlwind; used for careers, prices, or status.
  • 功成名就 (gōng chéng míng jiù): To achieve success and fame.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 一蹶不振 (yī jué bù zhèn): To collapse after a single setback and never recover.
  • 穷困潦倒 (qióng kùn liáo dǎo): To be destitute, frustrated, and down-and-out.
  • 一事无成 (yī shì wú chéng): To achieve nothing at all.link
  • 江河日下 (jiāng hé rì xià): Things are getting worse day by day.link

6. Summary

The idiom 平步青云 (píng bù qīng yún) describes a situation where someone achieves a rapid and smooth promotion in their career or social standing. While it can be used as a compliment for a successful person, it is also frequently used to describe a rise that seems suspiciously easy, perhaps due to luck or influential connections.