连中三元 lián zhòng sān yuán Win three top prizes in a row

Explanation

连中三元指在乡试、会试、殿试中都获得第一名，即解元、会元、状元。这是古代科举考试的最高荣誉，象征着最高的学识和才能。

Lián zhòng sān yuán refers to achieving first place in the three imperial examinations: the provincial examination (Xiangshi), the metropolitan examination (Huishi), and the palace examination (Dianshi) – Jieyuan, Huiyuan, and Zhuangyuan, respectively. This was the highest honor in the ancient imperial examination system, symbolizing the highest level of knowledge and talent.

Origin Story

话说明朝嘉靖年间，有个叫张居正的寒门子弟，从小聪颖好学，苦读诗书。他勤奋刻苦，废寝忘食，最终在乡试、会试、殿试中接连夺魁，一举夺得三元及第。消息传来，乡里父老无不欢欣鼓舞，张府门前更是锣鼓喧天，鞭炮齐鸣。张居正连中三元的事迹一时传为佳话，成为无数寒门学子奋斗的榜样。他后来官至首辅，成为明朝历史上著名的改革家，为国家做出了巨大贡献。这不仅仅是个人成就，更是寒门学子通过自身的努力实现人生价值的体现，也是科举制度为国家选拔人才的成功案例。故事也告诉我们：只要努力，梦想就能实现。

huì shuō míng cháo jiā jìng nián jiān, yǒu gè jiào zhāng jū zhèng de hán mén zǐ dì, cóng xiǎo cōng yǐng hǎo xué, kǔ dú shī shū. tā qín fèn kè kǔ, fèi qǐn wàng shí, zuì zhōng zài xiāng shì, huì shì, diàn shì zhōng jiē lián duó kuí, yī jǔ duó de sān yuán jí dì. xiāo xī chuán lái, xiāng lǐ fù lǎo wú bù huān xīn gǔ wǔ, zhāng fǔ mén qián gèng shì luó gǔ xuān tiān, biān pào qí míng. zhāng jū zhèng lián zhòng sān yuán de shì jì yī shí chuán wéi jiā huà, chéng wéi wú shù hán mén xué zǐ fèn dòu de bǎng yàng. tā hòu lái guān zhì shǒu fǔ, chéng wéi míng cháo lì shǐ shàng zhù míng de gǎi gé jiā, wèi guó jiā zuò chū le jù dà gòng xiàn. zhè bù jǐn shì gè rén chéng jiù, gèng shì hán mén xué zǐ tōng guò zì shēn de nǔ lì shí xiàn rén shēng jià zhí de tí xiàn, yě shì kē jǔ zhì dù wèi guó jiā xuǎn bá rén cái de chéng gōng àn lì. gù shì yě gào sù wǒ men: zhǐ yào nǔ lì, mèng xiǎng jiù néng shí xiàn.

During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, there was a young man named Zhang Juzheng from a humble background who was intelligent and studious since childhood. He diligently studied and worked hard, eventually achieving the top prize in the three imperial examinations—the provincial, metropolitan, and palace exams—achieving the coveted “Three Firsts.” News of his success spread rapidly, filling his hometown with joy, while his family home was abuzz with celebration. Zhang Juzheng's achievement became a well-known story and an inspiration to countless students. He later rose to become the Grand Secretary and a renowned reformer in Ming Dynasty history, making significant contributions to the country. His story is not just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the power of hard work and determination and exemplifies how the imperial examination system successfully selected talented individuals for the country. The story also highlights the ability to achieve one’s dreams through perseverance.

Usage

通常用于形容一个人在考试或竞赛中取得的巨大成功，也用来比喻在事业上取得连贯性的辉煌成就。

tōng cháng yòng yú xíng róng yī gè rén zài kǎo shì huò jìng sài zhōng qǔ dé de jù dà chéng gōng, yě yòng lái bǐ yù zài shì yè shàng qǔ dé lián guàn xìng de huī huáng chéng jiù

It is usually used to describe a person's great success in exams or competitions, and also to describe consecutive brilliant achievements in a career.

Examples

• 他连中三元，真是少年英雄！

  tā lián zhòng sān yuán, zhēnshi shàonián yīng xióng!

  He won three top prizes in a row, a true young hero!

• 连中三元，光宗耀祖，是无数读书人的梦想。

  lián zhòng sān yuán, guāng zōng yào zǔ, shì wú shù dú shū rén de mèng xiǎng

  Winning three top prizes in a row, glorifying ancestors, is the dream of countless scholars.

Related Idioms

• 金榜题名

• 状元郎

Opposite Idioms

• 一败涂地

• 屡试不第