talent will out; an awl in a bag cannot be hidden
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
real talent will eventually be revealed; an awl in a bag will stick out
literaryThis classical idiom conveys that genuine ability cannot remain concealed indefinitely, just as the sharp point of an awl cannot be hidden when placed in a bag. Often used to encourage those whose talents have yet to be recognized, or to predict that capable individuals will eventually distinguish themselves.
Tā他
suī虽
rán然
mù目
qián前
zhǐ只
shì是
gè个
xiǎo小
zhí职
yuán员
,
dàn但
zhuī锥
chǔ处
náng囊
zhōng中
,
chí迟
zǎo早
huì会
bèi被
tí提
bá拔
de的
。
Although he is currently just a junior clerk, his talent will eventually show and he will be promoted sooner or later.
Bié别
dān担
xīn心
huái怀
cái才
bù不
yù遇
,
zhuī锥
chǔ处
náng囊
zhōng中
,
nǐ你
de的
néng能
lì力
dà大
jiā家
chí迟
zǎo早
huì会
kàn看
dào到
de的
。
Don't worry about having unrecognized talent—an awl in a bag will stick out, and everyone will see your abilities sooner or later.
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Zhè这
wèi位
nián年
qīng轻
de的
kē科
xué学
jiā家
jiù就
xiàng像
zhuī锥
chǔ处
náng囊
zhōng中
,
hěn很
kuài快
jiù就
zài在
xué学
shù术
jiè界
zhǎn崭
lù露
tóu头
jiǎo角
。
This young scientist is like an awl in a bag—he quickly distinguished himself in academic circles.