近水楼台 Near the water, the tower
Explanation
比喻凭借有利的地位或便利的关系，比别人更容易得到好处。
It means that one easily gets benefits due to one's advantageous position or relationships.
Origin Story
话说宋仁宗年间，范仲淹任杭州知府。他为官清廉，深受百姓爱戴。当时，许多官员都得到了范仲淹的赏识和提拔。但有一位名叫苏麟的巡检，却一直未能得到重用。一日，苏麟来到范仲淹面前，送上一首诗：“近水楼台先得月，向阳花木易逢春。”范仲淹读罢，立即明白了苏麟的用意，并对他委以重任。苏麟果然不负众望，为杭州的建设和发展做出了巨大的贡献。
During the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, Fan Zhongyan served as the governor of Hangzhou. He was a clean and honest official, deeply loved by the people. At that time, many officials were appreciated and promoted by Fan Zhongyan. However, an inspection official named Su Lin had never been promoted. One day, Su Lin came to Fan Zhongyan and presented him with a poem: "Near the water, the tower gets the moon first; near the sun, the plants get spring easily." After reading the poem, Fan Zhongyan immediately understood Su Lin's intention and gave him an important position. Su Lin lived up to expectations and made great contributions to the construction and development of Hangzhou.
Usage
常用作主语、宾语、定语；表示凭借有利条件或便利的关系，比别人更容易得到好处。
Often used as subject, object, attribute; to express that one easily gets benefits due to favorable conditions or convenient relationships.
Examples
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近水楼台先得月，向阳花木易逢春。
jin shui lou tai xian de yue, xiang yang hua mu yi feng chun
Near the water, the tower gets the moon first; near the sun, the plants get spring easily.
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他家住在学校旁边，真是近水楼台先得月啊！
ta jia zhu zai xue xiao pang bian, zhen shi jin shui lou tai xian de yue a
His home is near the school; really, he has a convenient situation!