Definition
首屈一指 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning 'second to none' or 'the absolute best'. The literal image is of bending the first finger when counting, symbolizing the number-one position. It's used to describe someone or something that stands above all others in a particular field or quality.
f.e.
second to nonetop-notchthe very best
Examples
- 首屈一指,。Tā zài zhège lǐngyù shǒu qū yī zhī, méiyǒu rén néng bǐde shàng.He is second to none in this field; no one can match him.
- 首屈一指。Zhè jiā gōngsī de chǎnpǐn zhìliàng zài hángyè nèi shǒu qū yī zhī.This company's product quality is top-notch in the industry.
- ,首屈一指。Tán dào Zhōngguó diànyǐng, zhè bù zuòpǐn kān chēng shǒu qū yī zhī.When it comes to Chinese cinema, this work can be considered the very best.
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