藏器待时 Hide one's abilities and wait for the right time
Explanation
比喻有才能的人，应该先学习、积累，等待时机成熟后，再将自己的才能施展出来。
The idiom means that talented people should first learn and accumulate knowledge, and wait for the right moment to show their talents.
Origin Story
话说春秋时期，有个名叫晏婴的贤相，他为齐景公治理国家，在齐国兴修水利，发展农业，使得齐国国富民强。晏婴虽然才华横溢，但他深知“藏器待时”的道理，并不急于一时表现自己，而是潜心学习，不断积累经验，等待时机成熟后，才施展自己的才能，使齐国走向更加繁荣富强之路。他谨慎细致的工作态度，深得齐景公的赞赏，他也为齐国做出了巨大的贡献。后来，晏婴的智慧和功劳被后人传颂，成为千古名相。
During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a wise minister named Yan Ying. He served King Jing of Qi and governed the country wisely. Yan Ying carried out successful water conservancy projects and agricultural reforms, which led to the prosperity and strength of the kingdom. Although he possessed exceptional abilities, he understood the importance of patience and the right moment. He diligently learned, accumulated experience, and waited until the time was right to use his skills. Thus, he led Qi to even greater prosperity and fame. His careful work style and foresight deeply impressed King Jing. After his death, Yan Ying was revered for his wisdom and merits and became a wise minister in history.
Usage
常用来比喻有才能的人应该先学习、积累，等待时机成熟后，再将自己的才能施展出来。
It is often used to describe talented people who should first learn and accumulate knowledge before showing their talents.
Examples
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他这些年一直在潜心学习，为的就是将来能藏器待时，一展抱负。
tā zhèxiē nián yīzhí zài qiánxīn xuéxí, wèi de jiùshì jiānglái néng cáng qì dài shí, yī zhǎn bàofù
He has been studying hard for years, so that he can display his talents at the right time in the future.
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不要灰心，你的才能一定会得到施展的机会，要耐心等待，藏器待时。
bùyào huīxīn, nǐ de cáinéng yīdìng huì dédào shízhǎn de jīhuì, yào nàixīn děngdài, cáng qì dài shí
Don't be discouraged. Your talents will surely be displayed, be patient and wait for the right time.