📖 Meaning
Having broad and abundant talent can sometimes backfire and harm oneself. It warns that being too capable may invite jealousy or trouble, and that one should not rely solely on one's abilities.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from a sanqu (散曲) suite titled 'Dou Anchun·Ziwu' (《斗鹌鹑·自悟》) by the Yuan dynasty writer Zhou Wenzhi (周文质). In the piece, the author reflects on how heroes ruin their lives pursuing fame and military glory, quoting the common saying '才广妨身，官高害已' — broad talent harms oneself, high office harms oneself. The work expresses a philosophy of detachment, cautioning that exceptional ability and high status can be sources of danger rather than blessings.
💡 Example Usage
历史上才广妨身的例子不少，杨修便是一例。
History offers many cases where abundant talent brought ruin; Yang Xiu is one such example.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 才广妨身
- Pinyin: cái guǎng fáng shēn
- Literal Translation: talent, broad, hinders, oneself
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4