独占鳌头 top the list
Explanation
比喻获得第一名或占领先地位。
Metaphorically: to win first place or occupy a leading position.
Origin Story
话说宋朝年间，朝廷举行了一场盛大的科举考试，全国各地才华横溢的学子们都汇聚京城，渴望金榜题名。其中，一位名叫范仲禹的年轻学子，自幼聪颖好学，饱读诗书，对儒家经典有着深刻的理解。他怀揣着对功名的渴望和对知识的自信，来到考场。考试期间，范仲禹沉着应对，文思泉涌，他的文章气势磅礴，文采斐然，字里行间都透露出他深厚的学识和独特的见解。当考试结果揭晓的那一刻，范仲禹的名字赫然排在榜首，他独占鳌头，高中状元！消息传出，举国欢庆，人们纷纷赞扬他的才华和学识，也为他取得如此骄人的成就而感到自豪。范仲禹的故事也成为了后世励志的佳话，激励着一代又一代的学子们为实现自己的梦想而努力奋斗。
During the Song Dynasty, the imperial court held a grand imperial examination, and talented scholars from all over the country gathered in the capital, eager to achieve fame. Among them was a young scholar named Fan Zhongyu, who was intelligent and studious since childhood, had read extensively, and had a profound understanding of Confucian classics. He came to the examination hall with his yearning for fame and confidence in his knowledge. During the examination, Fan Zhongyu responded calmly, with a spring of thoughts, his articles were magnificent and elegant, and every word showed his profound knowledge and unique insights. When the examination results were announced, Fan Zhongyu's name was prominently listed at the top, he topped the list and became the number one scholar! The news spread, the whole country celebrated, people praised his talent and knowledge, and were proud of his remarkable achievements. Fan Zhongyu's story also became an inspiring story for later generations, encouraging generations of scholars to strive for their dreams.
Usage
常用作谓语、定语；多用于书面语。
Often used as a predicate and attribute; mostly in written language.
Examples
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他这次考试独占鳌头，真是令人羡慕！
tā zhè cì kǎoshì dú zhàn áo tóu, zhēnshi lìng rén xiànmù!
He topped the exam this time, which is really enviable!
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经过激烈的竞争，我们公司最终独占鳌头，赢得了项目。
jīngguò jīliè de jìngzhēng, wǒmen gōngsī zuìzhōng dú zhàn áo tóu, yíngdéle xiàngmù
After fierce competition, our company finally won the project and took the lead