百里挑一
bǎi lǐ tiāo yī
Exceptional selection
Something or someone truly outstanding, rare, or superior is described by this idiom. It conveys that an individual or item stands out significantly from a large group due to its exceptional quality.
What does 百里挑一 (bǎi lǐ tiāo yī) mean?
百里挑一 (bǎi lǐ tiāo yī) means "exceptional selection" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "pick one from a hundred."
Character by character
- 百 bǎi hundred
- 里 lǐ among
- 挑 tiāo pick
- 一 yī one
When to use it
The idiom is typically used in positive contexts to praise extraordinary talent, beauty, quality, or a unique opportunity. It highlights the distinction of being chosen or recognized as the very best among many.
Example
她是我们城市百里挑一的美人。
Tā shì wǒmen chéngshì bǎi lǐ tiāo yī de měi rén.
She's a one-in-a-hundred beauty in our city.
Pro tip: The number "hundred" here signifies a large quantity or group, not an exact count. It emphasizes extreme rarity and superiority, suggesting something is truly exceptional among many.
Related idioms
百年一遇 · Extreme rarity半信半疑 · State of doubt变本加厉 · Intensifying negative behavior
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