显山露水 (xiǎn shān lòu) — (idiom) to reveal one's hidden talents or abilities (often in a disapproving sense of showing off)
Definition
A chengyu meaning to show off one's abilities (usually disapproving). Typically used in negative constructions like 从不/不要太 ∼, contrasting with staying low-key (低调).
idiom
to reveal one's hidden talents or abilities (often in a disapproving sense of showing off)
Examples
- ，显山露水。Tā píng shí hěn dī diào, cóng bù xiǎn shān lòu.He is usually very low-key and never shows off.
- 显山露水，。Zhè cì kǎo shì tā zhōng yú xiǎn shān lòu, ná le dì yī míng.In this exam, he finally revealed his talent and got first place.
- 显山露水，。Zuò rén bú yào tài xiǎn shān lòu, fǒu zé róng yì zhāo rén tǎo yàn.Don't show off too much, or you'll easily be disliked.
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