敲门砖

敲門磚

qiāoménzhuān

idiom #36,701

Meanings

1 a brick for knocking at the door
2 a stepping stone; a foot in the door
3 a means used to gain entry and then discarded

Characters

Examples

HSK 2

这本小说是他成名的敲门砖。

Zhè běn xiǎoshuō shì tā chéngmíng de qiāoménzhuān.

This novel was his ticket to fame.

HSK 5

这张证书只是他进这行的敲门砖。

Zhè zhāng zhèngshū zhǐshì tā jìn zhè háng de qiāoménzhuān.

That certificate is just his foot in the door of this industry.

HSK 7-9

学历是求职的敲门砖，但不是全部。

Xuélì shì qiúzhí de qiāoménzhuān, dàn bùshì quánbù.

A degree opens the door to the job market, but it's not the whole story.

Tips

history

From a Ming-dynasty jab at exam culture recorded in 《独醒杂志》: candidates memorized set phrases just to pass the imperial exam - 'bricks used to knock the door open and then tossed aside once you're through.' Modern Chinese keeps both senses: a neutral 'entry ticket' and a slightly cynical 'disposable credential.'

register

Neutral to mildly pragmatic. Works for diplomas, certifications, a debut work, or any initial proof of eligibility.

Stroke Order

敲 qiāo

门 mén

砖 zhuān