Definition
抛头露面 is a four-character idiom that originally referred to a woman appearing in public, which was traditionally considered improper. Today it is used more neutrally to mean 'to show one's face in public' or 'to put oneself in the spotlight,' often with the implication that the person would prefer to avoid attention or is doing something that feels risky or boastful. It can be used literally (going out) or figuratively (taking a visible role in an event or controversy).
f.e.
to show one's face in public (often implying unwanted attention or putting oneself in the spotlight)(traditional) for a woman to appear in publicconsidered improper
Examples
- 抛头露面，。Tā píngshí bù xǐhuan pāo tóu lòu miàn, dàn zhè cì bùdébù cānjiā.He usually doesn't like to show his face in public, but this time he had to attend.
- ，抛头露面。Míngxīng chūmén shí chángcháng dài tàiyángjìng, bù xiǎng pāo tóu lòu miàn.Celebrities often wear sunglasses when going out because they don't want to be seen in public.
- ，抛头露面。Zài gǔdài, dàjiā guīxiù hěn shǎo pāo tóu lòu miàn.In ancient times, well-bred young ladies rarely appeared in public.
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