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显山露水 (xiǎn shān lù shuǐ) — (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 lù shuǐ.
    He is usually very low-key and never shows off.
  • 显山露水，。
    Zhè cì kǎo shì tā zhōng yú xiǎn shān lù shuǐ, 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 lù shuǐ, fǒu zé róng yì zhāo rén tǎo yàn.
    Don't show off too much, or you'll easily be disliked.

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