This means to conceal one's talents or ambitions and wait for the right moment to act. It's about strategic patience — not showing off your abilities prematurely, but quietly building strength until the time is ripe.
This phrase has deep roots in Chinese strategy and philosophy, often associated with leaders and politicians. It was famously used by Deng Xiaoping to describe China's foreign policy of keeping a low profile internationally.
It reflects the Confucian and Daoist value of modesty and the strategic wisdom of not attracting unnecessary attention. In a competitive environment, revealing your hand too early can invite opposition.
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