bẻ quế

Definition

1. Verb (archaic, literary):
   • To pluck cinnamon branches (laurels) at a competition: This is a classical metaphor meaning to achieve top honors or outstanding success in a literary or scholarly examination, contest, or endeavor. It originates from the tradition of awarding laurels or cinnamon branches (symbols of victory and distinction) to winners.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Trong kỳ thi ấy, ông ấy đã bẻ quế. (In that examination, he achieved the highest honor.)
  • Hy vọng cô ấy bẻ quế trong cuộc thi sắp tới. (I hope she wins top prize in the upcoming contest.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost exclusively used in historical, literary, or highly formal contexts to describe scholarly or artistic triumph. It is not used in everyday modern conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Đoạt nguyệt bẻ quế: An extended, even more literary idiom meaning "to pluck the moon and break the cinnamon," signifying achieving something supremely difficult and prestigious, often coming first in national exams.

Synonyms

• To win first place: To be the champion.
• To take the top honors: To achieve the highest distinction.
• To triumph: To achieve a great victory.

Related Idioms

• Bẻ hoa, bẻ quế: A parallel phrase meaning "to pluck flowers, to pluck cinnamon," also connoting winning honors and distinctions.