conceal one's talents; modest despite ability
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to hide one's valuables as if one had none; (fig.) to conceal one's knowledge and talents, not showing off before others
literaryOriginally from the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji). Describes someone who is modest and low-key despite possessing real ability. Often used in formal or literary contexts to praise humility.
Tā他
xué学
shí识
yuān渊
bó博
,
què却
shēn深
cáng藏
ruò若
xū虚
,
cóng从
bù不
xuàn炫
yào耀
zì自
jǐ己
de的
chéng成
jiù就
。
He is profoundly learned, yet he hides his talents like a void, never showing off his achievements.
Zhēn真
zhèng正
yǒu有
běn本
shì事
de的
rén人
wǎng往
wǎng往
shēn深
cáng藏
ruò若
xū虚
,
bù不
huì会
qīng轻
yì易
xiǎn显
lù露
fēng锋
máng芒
。
People with true ability often hide their treasures like they have none, not easily revealing their sharp edges.
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Gōng公
sī司
lǐ里
de的
lǎo老
Zhāng张
shēn深
cáng藏
ruò若
xū虚
,
píng平
shí时
huà话
bù不
duō多
,
dàn但
guān关
jiàn键
shí时
kè刻
zǒng总
néng能
tí提
chū出
jīng精
pì辟
de的
jiàn见
jiě解
。
Old Zhang in the company keeps his talents hidden like a void; he doesn't talk much normally, but always offers incisive insights at critical moments.