鹤立鸡群

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: hè lì jī qún
• English Translation: A crane standing among a flock of chickens; used to describe someone who stands out remarkably among ordinary people.
• Idiom Composition: 「鹤」（Crane）＋「立」（To stand）＋「鸡」（Chicken）＋「群」（Group, flock）
• Meaning: Describes the image of a crane standing among a flock of chickens. Figuratively, it refers to a person who stands out as outstanding among ordinary people, indicating exceptional excellence.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「鹤立鸡群」 contains the following nuances:

• Outstanding: Expresses the situation where one person stands out remarkably among many ordinary people.
• Prominent presence: Indicates that the person is clearly different from those around them in terms of talent, appearance, or elegance, making them stand out prominently.
• Comparison: Emphasizes the contrast between the crane (something excellent) and the chickens (ordinary things) to highlight the difference.
• Compliment: Usually used as a compliment to praise someone's outstanding qualities.

3. Usage

「鹤立鸡群」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Evaluating individuals: Used to describe a person who is outstanding in talent, appearance, or achievements compared to those around them.
  • Example:「他在班级里鹤立鸡群，每次考试都是第一名。」
    （He stands out remarkably in the class and always ranks first in exams.）
• Describing situations: Used to describe a situation where a particular person or thing stands out as superior within a group or environment.
  • Example:「这幅画在众多参展作品中鹤立鸡群，获得了评委的一致好评。」
    （This painting stands out prominently among many entries and received unanimous praise from the judges.）

Additional Examples:

1. 她的身高在女排队员中也是鹤立鸡群。
   （Her height stands out remarkably among the women's volleyball players.）
2. 这位年轻的钢琴家在音乐会上鹤立鸡群，演奏技巧令人叹为观止。
   （This young pianist stood out with exceptional talent at the concert, and their performance skills amazed the audience.）
3. 在这群应聘者中，他的学历和经验都鹤立鸡群，毫无疑问会被录用。
   （Among these applicants, his education and experience stand out clearly, and he will undoubtedly be hired.）
4. 这座建筑在周围的低矮房屋中显得鹤立鸡群，格外引人注目。
   （This building stands out prominently among the surrounding low houses, attracting special attention.）
5. 他的才华在公司里鹤立鸡群，很快就得到了晋升的机会。
   （His talent stands out remarkably in the company, and he soon got a promotion opportunity.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In Chinese culture, the crane symbolizes longevity and nobility and has long been revered as an auspicious bird. Therefore, '鹤立鸡群' implies not only standing out but also possessing elegance and exceptional talent.
• While usually used as a compliment, depending on the context, it can sometimes carry ironic or jealous connotations, so caution is advised.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 出类拔萃 (chū lèi bá cuì): To stand out as excellent among peers.
  • 卓尔不群 (zhuó ěr bù qún): Exceptionally outstanding with no equal.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 平庸之辈 (píng yōng zhī bèi): An ordinary person with no special qualities.
  • 碌碌无为 (lù lù wú wéi): Being mediocre and achieving nothing.

6. Summary

'鹤立鸡群' is a vivid idiom used to describe a person or thing that stands out distinctly from those around them. Understanding the special status of the crane in Chinese culture allows one to appreciate that this idiom conveys not just prominence but also admiration for elegance and talent.