hide one’s light under a bushel, to
To conceal one’s talents; to be extremely modest. The term originates from the Bible (Matthew 5:15): “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick.” The bushel in question was presumably a container that would hold a bushel’s worth of goods, not the weight unit itself. Although modesty is generally seen as a pleasant attribute, those using this expression over the ages don’t always encourage it.
▶ Synonyms: Keep a low profile, Be humble, Fly under the radar
▶ Antonyms: Flaunt, Show off, Shine brightly, Brag
Related Expressions 📚:
- “Blow your own trumpet” - To boast about oneself. (Surprisingly difficult if you’re not a trumpet player!)
- “Toot your own horn” - Essentially the same as blowing your trumpet; it implies self-promotion.
- “Steal someone’s thunder” - Certainly, it’s disruptive, but better than hiding a perfectly good thunderstorm!
- “Hide in plain sight” - Not about modesty but can be cunning. Ask Harry Potter how that cloak thing works!
Proverbs and Wisdom Nuggets:
- “Don’t hide your talents they were meant to be seen.” - Frank Sonnenberg
- “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” - James Keller
Lights, Books, Songs! 📖 🎶
Books:
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown - Learn why showing vulnerability can be powerful!
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron - Discover your latent creativity!
Songs:
- “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire
- “This Little Light of Mine” by Various Artists (don’t hide it under a bushel!)
Movies:
- “The Greatest Showman” - Unveil your gifts, even if they seem unconventional.
- “Hidden Figures” - Beautifully portraying the unmuzzling of talents against all odds.
Quizzes: Let’s Test Your Knowledge!
### Which of these is a genuine idiom involving hiding talents?
- [x] Hide one's light under a bushel
- [ ] Put your moon in a drawer
- [ ] Store the stars in a jar
- [ ] Keep your rainbow in a cupboard
> **Explanation:** “Hide one's light under a bushel” is an idiom. The others, while whimsically delightful, are purely fictional. 🦄
### What does "toot your own horn" mean?
- [ ] Play a musical instrument
- [ ] Disturb a parade
- [x] Boast about yourself
- [ ] Call a taxi
> **Explanation:** "Toot your own horn" is an idiom meaning to brag or self-promote. You need no musical skills for this one!
### True or False: Being extremely modest is always encouraged when you have hidden talents.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** While modesty is good, hiding talents deprives the world of potential contributions and innovations.
Publisher: Beacon of Brilliance Press
Date: September 21, 2023
Farewell Thought: Never fear to shine! Remember, your light might just be the beacon someone else needs.
Happy Lighting Up! ⭐🌟
