Vân lộ

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The path of the clouds; a cloud road: A poetic and literary term referring to a high, ethereal, or celestial pathway, often symbolizing a journey to high office, scholarly success, or an elevated state of being. It evokes imagery of a path through the sky.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Đường mây rộng thênh thang cử lộ. (The cloud road is vast and wide, opening the path.)
  • Thi đỗ đạt, chàng trai trẻ bước lên vân lộ. (After passing the exams, the young man stepped onto the cloud road.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively found in classical or highly literary Vietnamese poetry and texts. It is a metaphor for achieving honor, rank, or a lofty position, particularly through the Confucian examination system.

Variants and Related Words

• Thanh vân (n): Literally "blue clouds"; a synonym also meaning a path to high position or fame.
  • Bước lên thanh vân. (To ascend to the blue clouds [to achieve high rank].)

Synonyms

• Path to success: A route to achievement and high status.
• Celestial path: A heavenly or exalted road.
• Road to glory: A path leading to honor and renown.

Related Idioms

• Bước lên vân lộ / Bước lên đường mây: To step onto the cloud road; to achieve great success, especially in an official or scholarly career.
  • Sau khi đỗ trạng nguyên, ông đã chính thức bước lên vân lộ. (After topping the royal exams, he officially stepped onto the cloud road.)