dú独aloneshù树plantyī一onezhì帜banner
To develop a unique style; to stand out from the crowd.
Literal meaning
alone (独) — plant (树) — one (一) — banner (帜)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase, likening someone to planting a unique banner, establishing a distinctive style or school of thought.
Examples
Tā de huàfēng dúshùyīzhì, shēn shòu rénmen xǐ'ài.他的画风独树一帜，深受人们喜爱。
His painting style is unique and deeply loved by people.
Zhè这jiā家cān餐tīng厅de的cài菜pǐn品dú独shù树yī一zhì帜，xī吸yǐn引le了zhòng众duō多shí食kè客。
This restaurant's dishes are unique and attract many diners.
Usage & nuances
Often used to describe artistic or intellectual originality.
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