白衣卿相 man in white, with the rank of minister
Explanation
在古代，进士是指通过科举考试取得功名的人，而唐代人特别重视进士，很多宰相都是进士出身，所以人们推崇进士为“白衣卿相”，意思是指虽然穿着平民的白衣，但拥有像卿相一样的声望。
In ancient China, a "Jinshi" was someone who passed the imperial civil service examination. People of the Tang Dynasty highly valued "Jinshis", as many chancellors came from their ranks. Therefore, they referred to "Jinshis" as "man in white, with the rank of minister", meaning that although they wore civilian clothes, they had the rank of a minister.
Origin Story
唐朝时，科举制度盛行，进士是通过科举考试取得功名的人，他们往往才华横溢，学识渊博，备受人们尊敬。许多进士最终都成为朝廷重臣，掌握着国家的权力，被称为“白衣卿相”。传说，有一位名叫李白的进士，他虽然出身寒门，但却文采斐然，才华横溢。他在一次科举考试中以优异的成绩高中状元，并被朝廷授予了翰林院编修的职位。李白在翰林院工作期间，勤奋好学，刻苦钻研，很快便博得了同僚们的赞赏。他不仅诗歌写得好，而且文章也写得很好，被誉为“诗仙”。李白虽然没有官位，但他凭借着自己的才华和学识，赢得了社会各界的尊重和敬佩，人们都称他为“白衣卿相”。
During the Tang Dynasty, the imperial examination system was prevalent, and a "Jinshi" was someone who obtained a degree through the imperial examination system. They were often talented, knowledgeable, and respected by the people. Many "Jinshis" eventually became high-ranking officials in the court, holding power in the country, and were called "man in white, with the rank of minister". Legend has it that a "Jinshi" named Li Bai came from a humble background, but was nonetheless a brilliant writer and talented. In an imperial examination, he achieved the top score and was appointed by the court as an editor of the Hanlin Academy. During his time at the Hanlin Academy, Li Bai studied hard and diligently, quickly earning the praise of his colleagues. He was not only a good poet, but also a good writer, and was known as the "Poetry Immortal". Although Li Bai had no official position, he won the respect and admiration of all sectors of society through his talent and knowledge, and people called him "man in white, with the rank of minister".
Usage
形容有才华但没有官职的人
Describes someone who is talented but has no official title
Examples
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他虽然没有官位，但是却有很高的声望，真是名副其实的‘白衣卿相’！
ta suiran meiyou guanwei, danshi que you hen gao de shengwang, zhen shi ming fu qi shi de 'bai yi qing xiang'!
Although he has no official position, he enjoys a high reputation, a true 'man in white, with the rank of minister'!
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他虽然没有官位，却有很高的声望，被人们称为‘白衣卿相’。
ta suiran meiyou guanwei, que you hen gao de shengwang, bei renmen chengwei 'bai yi qing xiang'.
He has no official position, but he has a high reputation, he is called 'man in white, with the rank of minister'.
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他学富五车，才华横溢，堪称‘白衣卿相’！
ta xue fu wu che, caihua heng yi, kan cheng 'bai yi qing xiang'!
He is well-read, talented, and can be called 'man in white, with the rank of minister'!