- 一鸣惊人 yīmíngjīngrén to become famous overnightto amaze the world with a single brilliant feat; describes someone who is usually quiet or obscure but suddenly displays extraordinary talent or achievement
- 貌不惊人 màobùjīngrén unimpressive in appearanceto be plain-looking; having an ordinary appearance that does not attract attention
- 惊人之举 jīngrénzhījǔ amazing actan amazing or shocking act; a masterstroke that astonishes people
- 不鸣则已,一鸣惊人 bùmíngzéyǐyīmíngjīngrén to amaze with a single featsilent for a long time then suddenly achieving greatness; literally translated as not crying out at first, but once one does, it startles everyone