# 平步青云

píng bù qīng yún

Rise rapidly to a high position

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Step smoothly into the blue clouds

**Traditional Chinese:** 平步青雲

**Register:** Descriptive · literary

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe swift advancement in career or status.

Can sound admiring or hint at unearned privilege.

## Understanding the expression

The clouds mark a high place, yet the person reaches them with an easy step rather than a long climb. Modern use describes rapid promotion or a sharp rise in social standing. It may express admiration, envy, or suspicion depending on how the advancement happened. The phrase emphasizes the speed and height of the rise. It does not tell us whether the new position is deserved or whether the person can sustain it.

## Examples

他进入公司后平步青云。

### Traditional Chinese

他進入公司後平步青雲。

tā jìn rù gōng sī hòu píng bù qīng yún 。

He rose rapidly after joining the company.

一次机会让她平步青云。

### Traditional Chinese

一次機會讓她平步青雲。

yí cì jī huì ràng tā píng bù qīng yún 。

One opportunity brought her rapid advancement.

别指望毕业后立刻平步青云。

### Traditional Chinese

別指望畢業後立刻平步青雲。

bié zhǐ wàng bì yè hòu lì kè píng bù qīng yún 。

Do not expect immediate high status after graduation.

小说写了一个平步青云的年轻人。

### Traditional Chinese

小說寫了一個平步青雲的年輕人。

xiǎo shuō xiě le yí gè píng bù qīng yún de nián qīng rén 。

The novel portrays a young person's meteoric rise.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%B9%B3%E6%AD%A5%E9%9D%92%E9%9B%B2)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=298&webMd=1&la=0)

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