📖 Meaning
To follow the principle of nurturing oneself in obscurity and waiting for the right moment. It describes the strategy of hiding one's talents and biding one's time until favorable conditions arise, similar to keeping a low profile while building strength.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the eleventh poem in 'Ganyu' (感遇, Reflections) by the Tang dynasty poet Chen Zi'ang (陈子昂). The line reads, 'Floating clouds are not worth valuing; one should follow the way of nurturing oneself in obscurity and await the right time.' The concept itself draws from the Book of Changes (易经), specifically the Mingyi hexagram (明夷卦), which advises concealing one's brilliance during adverse times. Chen Zi'ang, a principled official who suffered political setbacks, used this imagery to express his resolve to withdraw and cultivate himself rather than chase superficial glory.
💡 Example Usage
面对强敌压境，将军决定遵养晦时，暂避锋芒以图后举。
Facing a powerful enemy's invasion, the general decided to bide his time in obscurity, temporarily avoiding the enemy's edge to plan a future counterattack.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 遵养晦时
- Pinyin: zūn yǎng huì shí
- Literal Translation: follow, nurture, obscure, time
- Category: Wisdom
- Characters: 4