noun
hiding one's brilliance and blending in with the world; living quietly without showing off one's talent
A yojijukugo derived from Daoist philosophy, describing the ideal of concealing one's wisdom or ability and living in harmony with the mundane world. Often used to praise someone who is capable but chooses to live modestly.
彼は和光同塵の精神で、自分の才能をひけらかさずに静かに暮らしている。
He lives quietly, following the spirit of 和光同塵, without flaunting his talents.
和光同塵は、老子の思想に由来する言葉だ。
和光同塵 is a phrase derived from the philosophy of Laozi.