Hide your light under a bushel

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Metaphorical Origin

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.

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Cultural Expression

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.

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Self-Effacing

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.