jat1 dang1 lung4 mun4一登龍門一登龙门

Jyutpingjat1 dang1 lung4 mun4

Yaleyāt dāng lùhng mùhn

Definition

To suddenly rise to great fame or status after achieving a major success.

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong sense of sudden elevation in social status or career success, often implying that the person has transitioned from an ordinary background to a prestigious position. It is frequently used to describe someone who has passed a difficult exam or secured a high-profile job. The tone is often slightly cynical or cautionary, suggesting that such success might be perceived as a lucky break or a dramatic shift in fortune.

Examples

keoi5佢jat1一dang1登lung4龍mun4門，san1身gaa3價zik1即hak1刻m4唔tung4同saai3晒。

Once he reached the top, his status changed completely.

nei5你ji5以wai4為jat1一dang1登lung4龍mun4門，zau6就ho2可ji5以m4唔sai2使nou5努lik6力me1咩？

Do you think you can stop working hard just because you've reached your goal?

Common phrases

jat1一dang1登lung4龍mun4門，san1身gaa3價baak3百pui5倍

Once you reach the top, your value increases a hundredfold.

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of climbing a gate, but it is strictly metaphorical. It should not be used to describe simple physical achievements or minor personal goals.