和わ光こう同どう塵じん

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.

• 彼かれは和わ光こう同どう塵じんの精せい神しんで、自じ分ぶんの才さい能のうをひけらかさずに静しずかに暮くらしている。

  He lives quietly, following the spirit of 和光同塵, without flaunting his talents.

• 和わ光こう同どう塵じんは、老ろう子しの思し想そうに由ゆ来らいする言こと葉ばだ。

  和光同塵 is a phrase derived from the philosophy of Laozi.