hide one's light under a bushel
Conceal one's talents
To hide one's light under a bushel is to conceal one's talents or abilities out of modesty or shyness.
The expression comes from a biblical parable about not covering a lamp with a basket.
It's usually used critically, suggesting someone should be more forthcoming about their accomplishments: Don't hide your light under a bushel—tell them about your research.
- downplayDiminish perceived importance
- abilityPower to do something
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- fly under the radarEvade attention deliberately
- brillianceExceptional intelligence or luster
modesty · accomplishment · self-effacement · undersell · unsung · unsung hero · humility · talent · potential · skill · aptitude · understatement · mastery · reticence · keep quiet · self-deprecation · reluctance · expertise