📖 Meaning
Possesses talent or cunning but does not show it externally. Describes someone whose full abilities or scheming mind cannot be perceived from their outward appearance. It conveys the virtue of restraint and hidden depth.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Shen Kuo's 'Supplement to Dream Pool Essays' (梦溪笔谈补) of the Song Dynasty. When the statesman Kou Zhun was appointed Prime Minister, the imperial edict praised him as one who 'can decide great matters without being bound by trivialities; possesses the weapon of a master swordsmith yet does not reveal his sharp edge; holds the clarity to see all things yet can still embrace and tolerate.' The expression thus celebrates the rare quality of combining great ability with deliberate modesty.
💡 Example Usage
他在公司里锋芒不露，却在关键时刻展现出过人的才干。
He kept his abilities hidden at the company, yet revealed outstanding talent at the critical moment.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 锋芒不露
- Pinyin: fēng máng bù lù
- Literal Translation: sharp edge, not, reveal
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4