preliminary display of great talent; show one's capability on a small task
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to give a preliminary demonstration of one's great ability; to display one's considerable talent on a small task
literaryDerived from the典故 allusion '割鸡焉用牛刀' (why use an ox-cleaver to kill a chicken). It is often used as a modest expression when someone with great capabilities accomplishes something minor, or to praise someone who handles a small task with remarkable ease. The tone is generally positive or neutral.
When he first joined the company, he merely gave a preliminary demonstration of his ability and solved the technical problem that had been troubling the team for a long time.
The piano master only gave a preliminary display of his skill tonight, playing a simple etude, yet astonished everyone present.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Don't think he was just showing preliminary skills this time; he has actually already revealed profound investment expertise.