Chinese idiom · 成语
韬光养晦
Meaning
To conceal light and nurture obscurity; to hide one’s talents.
Character by character
Origin and story
literary expressionThe two images work together: covering one's light and keeping oneself in obscurity. A clear occurrence of the complete phrase appears in Zheng Guanying's preface to Shengshi Weiyan in the late Qing. Speaking modestly of his age and abilities, he says he wishes to withdraw into private self-cultivation and conceal his talents. This attested context emphasizes restraint and quiet development, rather than a specific general secretly plotting revenge. The expression can now describe someone who avoids attention while preparing for a later opportunity. Concealment is central to the image; it need not imply dishonesty, nor does it necessarily mean doing nothing.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
离开大公司后，他韬光养晦，花了两年打磨自己的产品。
After leaving the large company, he kept a low profile and spent two years refining his own product.
Formal wording for deliberately staying out of the spotlight while cultivating one's abilities.