hide one’s light under a bushel: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hide one's light under a bushel’ mean?
The idiom "hide one's light under a bushel" means to conceal or downplay one's talents, abilities, or achievements.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "laugh in one's sleeve" means to secretly or quietly find something amusing or funny without showing it openly.
The idiom "laugh in one's sleeve" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It suggests a hidden or secret amusement, where someone quietly and smugly enjoys a situation or mocks someone without them realizing it. It conveys a sense of subtle mockery or satisfaction.
The idiom "keep shtum" means to remain silent or keep quiet about something, especially when it is important or could cause trouble if revealed.
The idiom "keep one's head down" means to avoid drawing attention or staying out of trouble in order to stay safe or unnoticed in a dangerous or difficult situation.
The idiom "keep one's cards close to one's chest" means to keep one's thoughts, plans, or intentions secret or hidden in order to maintain an advantage or not reveal too much information.
The idiom "keep a low profile" means to avoid attracting attention or publicity, and to remain inconspicuous or discreet in one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "in the dark" means being unaware or uninformed about something, lacking knowledge or understanding. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is kept ignorant or intentionally left out of important information or events.
The idiom "in the dark" is commonly used to mean someone is uninformed or unaware of something. It dates back to the late 17th century and has its roots in the concept of literal darkness.
The idiom "hiding to nothing" means to be in a situation where one is bound to fail or face certain defeat, regardless of the efforts made. It implies a futile or hopeless endeavor with no chance of success or favorable outcome.
The idiom "hide nor hair" means to not see any sign or trace of someone or something.
Hide nor hair is an idiom commonly used in the United States. It is often used in a negative context to indicate the absence of something or someone. When we say "not a hide nor hair," we mean that there is no trace or sign of something or someone.
The idiom "hide in plain sight" means to conceal oneself or something in a way that is not obvious or easily noticed, even though it is in a highly visible or noticeable place.
The idiom "hidden in plain sight" means that something is not easily noticed or recognized, even though it is easily visible or apparent to everyone. It implies that the object or information is so commonly found that it remains unnoticed by most people.
Uncovering the Obscured Brilliance
The phrase "hide one's light under a bushel" is a well-known idiom with a metaphorical meaning. It is derived from a passage in the Gospel of Matthew (5:15) where it states, "Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." This idiom, which has its origins in Christian teachings, means to hide or conceal one's talents, accomplishments, or abilities.
The idiom is composed of the verb "hide," meaning to conceal or keep something out of sight, and the noun "light," which metaphorically represents one's talents, abilities, or accomplishments. When someone hides their light under a bushel, they are choosing to keep their valuable qualities or abilities hidden and not sharing them with others. This can be likened to placing a lit candle under a bucket or bushel basket, which would obscure the light it gives off.
The use of the word "bushel" in this idiom refers to a unit of measurement for dry goods. In the past, a bushel basket was commonly used to carry or store grains, fruits, or vegetables. With its capacity to hold a substantial amount, it serves as an apt symbol for hiding one's light or talents. Just as the bushel basket would hide what is inside it, individuals who hide their light under a bushel are keeping their talents or accomplishments concealed.
This idiom is often used to convey a sense of modesty or humility. It suggests that individuals who possess remarkable abilities or accomplishments may choose to downplay or conceal them. This could be due to a lack of self-confidence or a desire to avoid attention or jealousy. In some cultural contexts, there may be an expectation of modesty, leading individuals to hide their abilities as a sign of humility. However, by doing so, they may be limiting their potential impact or influence on others.
One related idiom that shares a similar idea is "hide in plain sight." When someone hides in plain sight, they are present and visible, but their true nature or abilities go unnoticed or unrecognized. It is as if they are hiding right in front of everyone, but nobody sees them for who they truly are. This idiom highlights the importance of not only revealing one's talents or accomplishments but also ensuring that they are noticed and acknowledged by others.
Another related idiom is "cover up." While "hide one's light under a bushel" focuses more on hiding one's abilities or accomplishments, "cover up" has a broader meaning. It refers to concealing or hiding something, often with the intention of preventing others from discovering the truth or finding out about certain actions or information. In the context of talents or accomplishments, "cover up" can be used to describe situations where someone intentionally hides their abilities or achievements, possibly out of fear of being judged or facing scrutiny.
The idiom "hide one's light under a bushel" reflects the tendency of individuals to conceal their talents or accomplishments. Its origins lie in Biblical teachings, and it has been in use for centuries. By using this idiom, speakers emphasize the importance of not hiding one's abilities and encourage the expression of one's talents for the benefit of oneself and others. In a similar vein, the idioms "hide in plain sight" and "cover up" highlight the consequences of hiding one's abilities, whether it be going unnoticed or deliberately concealing them.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hide one's light under a bushel" can be used in a sentence:
- She is a talented singer, but she always hides her light under a bushel and refuses to perform in front of others.
- It's important to promote your achievements and not hide your light under a bushel, so that others can recognize and appreciate your skills.
- He has immense knowledge in his field, but he tends to hide his light under a bushel and rarely shares his expertise with others.
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