jade-like stone; talentless person with false reputation
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
a stone resembling jade but of inferior quality; fake jade
literaryLiterary term for a stone that looks like jade but is not genuine. Often used in the phrase '珷玞乱玉' (fake jade mixed with real jade).
Although this stone is beautiful, it is actually fake jade, not as warm and smooth as real jade.
Fake jade confusing real jade, and fish eyes mixed with pearls make it difficult to distinguish true from false.
noun
a person without real talent but with a false reputation; someone who appears capable but is actually incompetent
literaryFigurative usage deriving from the literal meaning of fake jade. Used to criticize someone who has a good reputation but lacks genuine ability.
Although this person has a great reputation, he is actually talentless and not qualified to take on important tasks.
There are incompetent people with false reputations mixed among truly talented individuals, making them difficult to identify.