📖 Meaning
This idiom describes someone whose abilities are obstructed and whose knowledge is superficial and limited. It is traditionally used as a self-deprecating expression of humility, acknowledging one's own insufficient talent and narrow understanding.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a memorial titled 'Xiao Zhong Rang Yangzhou Biao' written by Jiang Yan, a prominent literary figure of the Liang dynasty during the Southern Dynasties period. In the memorial, Jiang Yan humbly declined a prestigious appointment, writing 'Your subject's talent is blocked and knowledge shallow, having gathered no reputation in his hometown; yet honor descends and favor arrives, as if borrowing wings from the imperial throne.' The expression became a classical formula of self-deprecation used by officials when declining honors.
💡 Example Usage
他常常自谦才蔽识浅，不敢担当重任。
He often humbly described himself as having blocked talent and shallow knowledge, not daring to take on heavy responsibilities.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 才蔽识浅
- Pinyin: cái bì shí qiǎn
- Literal Translation: talent, blocked, knowledge, shallow
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4