Proverb / Kotowaza
白眉
The most outstanding person or thing among many of the same kind.
white eyebrows
Quick Answer
The most outstanding person or thing among many of the same kind.
- Literal Image
- white eyebrows
- Closest Equivalent
- A man among a thousand
- How to Use It
- Used in literary or artistic reviews to identify a masterpiece, or when describing a person of exceptional ability within a field.
Meaning
Refers to the finest individual or item within a group or collection. It identifies someone or something that stands head and shoulders above its peers in quality, skill, or beauty.
Literal Image
white eyebrows
Equivalent Proverbs
A man among a thousand
Refers to a person of exceptional quality.
How to Use It
Used in literary or artistic reviews to identify a masterpiece, or when describing a person of exceptional ability within a field.
Tone
A literary and sophisticated expression used in formal reviews, academic writing, or high praise.
Examples
数ある作品の中で、この映画こそ白眉と言えるだろう。
Among many works, this movie could be called the finest.
今回の展覧会の白眉は、初公開となるあの名画だ。
The highlight of this exhibition is that painting shown for the first time.
彼はこの分野における白眉であり、右に出る者はいない。
He is the most outstanding in this field, and no one can surpass him.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses specialized kanji and a classical Chinese origin which makes the meaning non-intuitive from literal reading alone.
白
はく / haku
white
眉
び / bi
eyebrow
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a sophisticated term; using it in very casual conversation might sound overly literary.
Misread Risk
Do not assume it refers to old age or physical appearance; the 'white eyebrows' are a historical reference to excellence, not a literal description of the subject.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.