To reach the highest level or position in a single bound; to achieve instant success or rapid advancement; to rise to prominence or power overnight without much effort.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
Story:
In the Song Dynasty, Gao Qiu, a vagabond from Kaifeng, emerged from prison and sought refuge with Liu Dalang, who ran a gambling house in Linhuai Prefecture.
Liu Dalang introduced him to Dong Jiangshi, a pharmacist in Tokyo (Kaifeng). Dong Jiangshi then sent him to work at the residence of Scholar Su.
Scholar Su, in turn, placed him in the service of Grand Marshal Wang. There, Prince Duan noticed Gao Qiu and kept him in his own residence.
When Prince Duan later ascended the throne as Emperor Huizong, Gao Qiu was rapidly promoted to the esteemed position of Grand Marshal, thus achieving instant and extraordinary success.