개천에서 용 난다
From Korean Wiki Project
Contents
Literal Meaning
A dragon rises from a small stream.
Usage
Used to describe a great man with humble beginnings.
Oriental myths talk about dragons rising up from the depths of the sea, so it would be unexpected and quite amazing if one were to rise up from a shallow stream.
Korean Equivalent
미천한 집안에서 뛰어난 인물이 나는 경우에 이르는 말
English Equivalent
From rags to riches.
