hai2 hung2 fu1 zi2 min6 cin4 maai6 man4 zoeng1喺孔夫子面前賣文章喺孔夫子面前卖文章
Jyutpinghai2 hung2 fu1 zi2 min6 cin4 maai6 man4 zoeng1
Yalehái húng fū jí mihn chìhn maaih màhn jēung
Definition
To show off one's modest skills or knowledge in front of an expert.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is a classic example of a chengyu that is used to mock someone for their arrogance or lack of self-awareness. It specifically targets those who attempt to demonstrate knowledge or skill to someone who is clearly far more experienced or qualified than they are. It carries a strong sense of irony and is often used as a warning to keep one's ego in check.
Examples
Are you really not afraid of being laughed at for showing off in front of an expert?
Related words
Common phrases
to bring shame upon oneself
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple description of teaching, but it is strictly derogatory. It should never be used to describe a genuine attempt to learn from a master, as it implies the speaker is foolishly trying to outshine the expert.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
