不露锋芒 To keep a low profile
Explanation
锋芒：比喻锐气或才干。不显露出锐气或才干。多指有意地将自己的才能、抱负等加以掩饰。
To intentionally conceal one's talents and ambitions.
Origin Story
年轻的书生李牧，才华横溢，却深知“枪打出头鸟”的道理。他刻意不露锋芒，在乡间潜心读书，默默地积累知识和经验。一次，县令举办诗会，他本可一展才华，但他却婉拒了邀请。有人不解，他笑着说：“锋芒太露，容易招惹是非，我更喜欢在田园间，静静地耕耘，等待时机成熟。”多年后，李牧终于凭借积累的学识和不懈的努力，金榜题名，成为朝廷重臣。他并未因功高盖世而骄傲自满，反而更加谨慎低调，以不露锋芒的态度处理政务，深得百姓爱戴。
Li Mu, a young scholar, was incredibly talented but understood the saying, “A bird that stands out is easily shot down.” He deliberately chose not to show off, instead dedicating himself to studying in the countryside and quietly accumulating knowledge and experience. When the county magistrate held a poetry contest, he could have easily shown off his skills, but he politely declined. Others questioned his decision, but he smiled and said, “Too much brilliance invites trouble. I prefer the peace of working in the countryside, quietly cultivating my talents, waiting for the right moment.” Many years later, through his accumulated knowledge and tireless efforts, Li Mu passed the imperial examinations and became a high-ranking official in the court. He didn’t become arrogant despite his success but remained cautious and humble, handling affairs with a low profile and earning the respect and affection of the people.
Usage
作谓语、定语；比喻不显示出才智来
Used as a predicate or attributive; metaphor for concealing one's intelligence and abilities
Examples
-
他为人处世向来不露锋芒，总是默默耕耘。
tā wéirén chǔshì xiànglái bù lù fēng máng, zǒngshì mòmò gēngyún
He always keeps a low profile and works silently.
-
年轻时锋芒毕露，容易得罪人，到头来难免吃亏。
niánqīng shí fēngmáng bìlù, róngyì dézuì rén, dàotóulái nánmiǎn chī kuī
Being too showy in your youth can make enemies that will hurt you later in life.