独占鳌头

獨占鰲頭

dúzhàn'áotóu

idiom #56,088

Meanings

1 to come out on top (idiom)
2 to be number one; to be the champion

Characters

mythical giant sea turtle

Examples

她在今年的数学竞赛中独占鳌头。

Tā zài jīnnián de shùxué jìngsài zhōng dúzhàn'áotóu.

She took first place in this year's math competition.

这家公司连续五年在市场份额上独占鳌头。

Zhè jiā gōngsī liánxù wǔ nián zài shìchǎng fèn'é shàng dúzhàn'áotóu.

This company has led the market share for five straight years.

Tips

history

Originally referred to the top imperial exam candidate, who alone was allowed to stand on the stone turtle's head (鳌头) carved before the palace steps. Now used for first place in any competition.

Stroke Order

独 dú

占 zhàn

鳌 áo

头 tóu