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