名列前茅

míngliè-qiánmáo

idiom #29,386

Meanings

1 to rank among the best
2 to be at the top of the list
3 to place first or near the top

Characters

name; fame; rank

to be listed; to rank; to arrange

front; forward; ahead

thatch; cogon grass; vanguard signal

Examples

HSK 4

这家公司在行业中名列前茅。

Zhè jiā gōngsī zài hángyè zhōng míngliè-qiánmáo.

This company ranks among the leaders in its industry.

HSK 7-9

她在全校考试中名列前茅。

Tā zài quánxiào kǎoshì zhōng míngliè-qiánmáo.

She ranked at the top in the school-wide exam.

Tips

history

前茅 originally referred to the vanguard of an ancient Chinese army, which carried 茅 (thatch grass) as a signal flag. To 名列前茅 was literally to have your name listed among the front troops - a place of honor. The phrase traces to the 左传 account of the Chu army's marching order.

Stroke Order

名 míng

列 liè

前 qián

茅 máo