Daily Chinese Proverb: Crane Standing Among Chicken

This Chinese proverb is about standing out, being so different from everything around you. This proverb is used to describe prominent people with good looks and impressive abilities among a crowd of people with lesser abilities.

鹤立鸡群
hè lì jī qún
a crane standing among chickens

Ji Shao was a handsome and talented aid to the Emperor Jin Hui. When his country was being invaded, he accompanied Emperor Jin Hui in defending the country. Most of the soldiers died or deserted, but Ji Shao stayed with the emperor to protect him. Upon seeing this, the people were moved and said: "Ji Shao is like a crane standing among chickens."



Photo Source: (Sandhill Crane)
Flickr