expression, noun
god-like existence; person far above oneself
Idiomatic expression describing someone so superior in status, ability, or hierarchy that they seem unreachable, like a being above the clouds. Often used with a sense of awe or resignation.
彼は私にとって雲の上の存在だ。
He is a god-like figure to me.
あの大物俳優は新人にとって雲の上の存在です。
That big-name actor is an unreachable presence for newcomers.
高嶺の花 also means something out of reach, but often implies something desirable yet unattainable, like a romantic interest. 雲の上の存在 focuses more on hierarchical or ability-based superiority.
Literally 'existence above the clouds', a metaphorical expression for someone far superior or unreachable.