To take the top spot; to be unrivaled; to emerge as the champion, especially in an examination or competition.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Song Dynasty, Bao Gong petitioned Emperor Renzong to hold an additional imperial examination. Fan Zhongyu, from Nan'anshan Village in Jiangxia County, Wuchang Prefecture, Huguang, sighed to himself upon hearing the news.
His fellow villagers, aware of his extraordinary talent, were confident that he would certainly "独占鳌头" (take the top spot) and be listed among the successful candidates. Liu Hongyi, a kind benefactor, sponsored him with one hundred taels of silver and a black donkey for his journey to the capital.
As everyone had hoped, Fan Zhongyu indeed performed outstandingly and became the Zhuangyuan (top scholar).