to achieve top honors in the imperial exams; metaphorical: to achieve success in exams or competitions
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to pass the imperial examination (jinshi) with top honors; to succeed brilliantly
literaryLiterally means 'to pluck the osmanthus branch from the Toad Palace (the moon)'. An ancient metaphor for success in the imperial examination system (科举), particularly achieving the 'jinshi' (进士) degree. Today, it's used more broadly to congratulate someone on achieving top marks in any major exam or competition. Often used in congratulatory contexts, both formal and informal.
After years of hard study, he finally achieved top honors and became the top scholar.
May you achieve great success and have your name on the honor roll in this year's college entrance exam!
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In this International Mathematical Olympiad, she achieved top honors, winning a gold medal for the Chinese team.