In the Warring States Period (zhàn guó 战国), Duke Wei of Qi neglected state affairs, for the first three years of his reign, giving himself over to dissipation. One of his minister, Chun Yukun (chún yú kūn)who had a good sense of humor, said to him:”There is a big bird which has neigher taken wing nor sung for three years.” The duke answered, “Once that bird starts to fly and sing, it will astonish the world.” The duke thereupon devoted himself to his duties and built his state up into a powerful one. This idiom is used to indicate that a person may rise from obscurity and achieve greatness.
一鸣惊人 (yī míng jīng rén)
【翻译】Amazing the World with a Single Feat.
【释义】比喻平时没有突出的表现,一下子做出惊人的成绩。
【例句】Jenny平时学习成绩不太好,可是期末考试时却一鸣惊人,夺得了全班第一名。
【近义词】一举成名、一步登天、名满天下
【反义词】身败名裂、臭名远扬、丢人现眼