In a meadow, there was a group of chickens. Among them, one proud rooster boasted about his strength and shiny golden feathers, claiming he was the most outstanding.

Another speckled rooster disagreed, saying his loud and clear crowing made him the best. Just as the two were about to fight over who was superior, a crane suddenly descended from the sky and landed among the chickens.

Compared to the crane’s elegant and graceful presence, both roosters immediately seemed ordinary and stopped their quarrel.

This scene gave rise to the idiom “鹤立鸡群”, literally “a crane standing among chickens.”

Summary

  • Idiom: 鹤立鸡群 (Hè Lì Jī Qún)
  • Pinyin: hè lì jī qún
  • English Translation: a crane standing among chickens
  • Extended Meaning: Used to describe a person who stands out from the crowd due to their outstanding appearance, talent, or moral character. It emphasizes contrast and excellence.

Story Illustration

This story illustrates that true distinction is often most visible when compared to the ordinary, and that excellence naturally attracts attention without boasting.