能のうある鷹たかは爪つめを隠かくす

expression, godan verb (-su)

a wise person does not show off all their abilities; a skilled hawk hides its talons

Proverb advising modesty and restraint; literally 'a talented hawk hides its talons'. Used to praise someone who keeps their skills hidden until needed.

• 彼かれは普ふ段だんは目め立だたないが、能のうある鷹たかは爪つめを隠かくすというように、実じつはすごい技ぎ術じゅつを持もっている。

  He doesn't stand out normally, but as the saying goes, a skilled hawk hides its talons—he actually has amazing skills.

• 能のうある鷹たかは爪つめを隠かくすで、本ほん当とうにできる人ひとは自じ慢まんしないものだ。

  As the proverb says, a wise man keeps some of his talents in reserve; truly capable people don't boast.