a figurative shortcut to a high-flying career or a quick way to achieve success

通往成功的道路上并没有终南捷径，必须一步一个脚印。

the original allusion to gaining imperial favor and a high-ranking position by living as a hermit on Mount Zhongnan

他并非真心隐居，只是把这当作求官的终南捷径罢了。