📖 Meaning
锋芒 (fengmang) refers to the sharp edge of a blade, metaphorically representing one's talent, ambition, or aggressiveness. The idiom means to not reveal one's sharpness or abilities, usually referring to deliberately concealing one's talents and aspirations to avoid drawing attention or causing conflict.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Song dynasty scholar Shen Kuo's work 'Mengxi Bitan' (Dream Pool Essays), specifically in the supplementary section 'Bu Bi Tan'. Shen Kuo used it to describe Kou Zhun (寇准), a prominent Northern Song statesman and chancellor. He praised Kou Zhun as someone who could make decisive judgments on major matters without being constrained by trivial details, who possessed the capacity of the legendary sword Gan Jiang, yet did not flaunt his sharp edge or brilliance.
💡 Example Usage
他在公司里一直不露锋芒，直到关键时刻才展现出真正的实力。
He kept a low profile at the company without showing off his abilities, only revealing his true strength at the critical moment.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 不露锋芒
- Pinyin: bù lù fēng máng
- Literal Translation: not, reveal, edge, point
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4