PhrasesHub

hidden under a bushel

    Definitions

      • keeping something secret
        to describe something that is not being fully revealed or shared, often due to a lack of confidence or fear of judgment

      • undervaluing oneself
        to describe someone who is not showing or recognizing their true worth or talents

    Examples of hidden under a bushel

    • Sarah's beautiful singing talents were hidden under a bushel during her high school years.

      This idiom means that Sarah's singing talents were not showcased or recognized during her high school years, as if she were hiding them under a bushel (a large basket used to hold fruits or vegetables). Despite her talent, she didn't actively seek opportunities to sing or share her talent with others.

    • The young artist's paintings were hidden under a bushel until they were discovered by a prominent art critic.

      This idiom means that the artist's paintings were not widely recognized or appreciated until they were discovered by a notable art critic. It suggests that the artist's work was not being actively promoted or shared and, as a result, was not being acknowledged by the art community.

    • Emma's sister is a brilliant programmer, but her skills have been hidden under a bushel because she works in a small company where opportunities for recognition are limited.

      This idiom means that Emma's sister's programming skills are not being recognized or showcased because she works in a small company where the opportunities for recognition are limited. It suggests that her talent is being overshadowed by the company's size and stature, preventing her from achieving the recognition she deserves.

    • The new author's book was hidden under a bushel because the publishing company didn't invest enough in marketing and promotion.

      This idiom means that the new author's book wasn't widely recognized or appreciated because the publishing company didn't invest enough in marketing and promotion. It suggests that the book's potential was not being actively promoted or shared, preventing it from achieving the recognition it deserved.These examples demonstrate how the idiom of "hidden under a bushel" can be used to describe situations where talent, skills, or achievements are not being recognized or showcased due to a lack of opportunities, promotion, or recognition. It highlights the importance of actively promoting and sharing one's talents and skills in order to achieve recognition and success.

    • Sarah's amazing singing talents were hidden under a bushel for far too long. She used to shy away from performing in front of others, even though she had a beautiful voice.

      The idiom "hidden under a bushel" means to keep something valuable or worthy of recognition concealed or obscured. Sarah's singing talent was not being showcased to its full potential due to her reluctance to perform in front of others. Her skills were "hidden under a bushel", waiting to be discovered.

    • Tom's inventive ideas have been kept hidden under a bushel by his boss, who fails to recognize their potential value.

      Here, Tom's ideas have been neglected by his boss, who has failed to acknowledge or utilize them. This is an example of how valuable ideas or resources can be "hidden under a bushel", leading to missed opportunities.

    • The charming antique locket that Jenny found was hidden under a bushel, buried deep in a forgotten attic.

      In this case, the locket was literally "hidden under a bushel" - it was tucked away in a dusty corner of the attic, awaiting discovery.

    • John's passion for cooking was hidden under a bushel for many years, as he never had the confidence to share his recipes with others.

      Here, John's love for cooking had gone unnoticed for a long time due to his reluctance to share his creations with others. His talent for cooking was "hidden under a bushel", waiting to be discovered by the right audience.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "hidden under a bushel" can be used to describe both the act of keeping something secret and the act of undervaluing oneself. In both cases, it refers to something not being fully revealed or recognized.

    When used in the context of keeping something secret, it conveys the idea that the person is not fully sharing or revealing something, often due to a lack of confidence or fear of judgment. On the other hand, when used in the context of undervaluing oneself, it highlights the idea that the person is not recognizing or showing their true worth or talents. In both cases, the idiom emphasizes the idea of something being concealed or not fully recognized.

    Origin of "hidden under a bushel"

    The origin of the idiom "hidden under a bushel" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, there is a passage that mentions not hiding one's light under a bushel:

    "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."

    This passage is often interpreted as a metaphor for not hiding one's talents or gifts, but rather letting them shine and be seen by others. Over time, the phrase "hidden under a bushel" has come to be used more broadly to convey the idea of not fully revealing or recognizing something.