unrecognized genius; hidden talent
A yojijukugo describing a gifted young person whose exceptional ability is not yet widely known. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
He is truly an unrecognized genius; though still unknown to the world, he will surely achieve great things.
麒麟児 also refers to a prodigy or exceptionally gifted child, but it emphasizes brilliance and promise more directly, without the nuance of being hidden or unrecognized.
The expression joins 臥竜, the epithet of 諸葛亮, and 鳳雛, the epithet of 龐統, in the Three Kingdoms tradition. Both figures were likened to extraordinary talents whose abilities were not yet fully recognized.