📖 Meaning
A metaphor describing a person of outstanding talent and virtue whose exceptional abilities have not yet been revealed or recognized by the world. It conveys the image of a dragon lurking beneath the water and a phoenix concealing its radiant plumage — extraordinary potential lying dormant, waiting for the right moment to emerge.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom has no documented single origin in classical texts. It draws on the deep symbolic tradition of the dragon and phoenix in Chinese culture, where the dragon represents hidden power and the phoenix embodies grace and brilliance. The phrase likely emerged from literary or poetic usage during the Tang or Song dynasty, when metaphors of concealed talent were common in scholar-official circles. It reflects the Confucian ideal of the junzi (gentleman) who cultivates virtue quietly before being called to serve.
💡 Example Usage
此人龙潜凤采，日后必成大器。
This person is a hidden dragon and concealed phoenix — he will surely achieve great things in the future.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 龙潜凤采
- Pinyin: lóng qián fèng cǎi
- Literal Translation: dragon, hidden, phoenix, brilliance
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4