Hide your light under a bushel

Pro Tip 1/3

Understand it's a metaphor from a biblical context, implying one shouldn't conceal talents.

Although she's an excellent violinist, she often hides her light under a bushel.

Pro Tip 2/3

It's a primarily British English phrase, less common in American English but still understood.

He hides his light under a bushel, not realizing the phrase is less common here in the US.

Pro Tip 3/3

It implies modesty, sometimes to a fault, where one's skills may be overlooked.

Despite his many achievements, he tends to hide his light under a bushel.