bẻ quế cung thiềm
Definition
- Idiom (Thành ngữ):
- To break the cinnamon branch in the moon's palace: A classical Vietnamese literary idiom meaning to achieve first-rank honors in the imperial examinations, specifically to become the top graduate (Trạng Nguyên). It symbolizes the ultimate scholarly success, akin to plucking a rare cinnamon branch from the moon—a feat of extraordinary talent and effort.
- To attain the highest academic success: It broadly signifies achieving the highest possible distinction in studies or examinations.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Sau bao năm đèn sách, cuối cùng anh ấy cũng bẻ quế cung thiềm. (After many years of study, he finally achieved the highest honors.)
- Ước mơ bẻ quế cung thiềm của người xưa tương đương với việc đạt giải Nobel ngày nay. (The ancient dream of "breaking the cinnamon branch in the moon's palace" is equivalent to winning a Nobel Prize today.)
Advanced Usage
- This idiom is almost exclusively used in literary, historical, or highly formal contexts to describe monumental academic or intellectual achievement. It is not used in everyday conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Bẻ quế cung trăng: A direct variant with identical meaning ("to break the cinnamon branch in the palace of the moon").
Synonyms
- To come first in the examinations: To achieve the top score.
- To attain the highest accolade: To receive the supreme award or honor.
- To win the laurels: To achieve a great victory, especially in academic fields.
Related Idioms
- Làm nên danh phận: To make a name and position for oneself.
- Chiếm bảng vàng: To have one's name listed on the golden board (of top graduates).
- Vinh quy bái tổ: To return in glory to worship one's ancestors (a ceremony for successful examination candidates).