问鼎 (wèn dǐng) — to compete for the championship; to contend for first place; (literary) to covet the throne; to seek supreme power
Definition
Literary verb meaning 'compete for the championship' or, historically, 'covet the throne.' The first sense extends metaphorically from the second, both implying reaching the very top.
verb
to compete for the championshipto contend for first place(literary) to covet the throneto seek supreme power
Examples
- 问鼎。Zhè zhī qiú duì jīn nián yǒu wàng wèn dǐng.This team has a chance to compete for the championship this year.
- 问鼎，。Tā zài ào yùn huì shàng chéng gōng wèn dǐng, yíng dé le jīn pái.He successfully contended for the top spot at the Olympics and won the gold medal.
- 。Lì shǐ shàng zhǐ yǒu shǎo shù rén wèn guò dǐng.In history, only a few people have ever sought the throne.
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