大显身手
大显身手 (dà xiǎn shēn shǒu) literally means “greatly display one's abilities” and expresses “to show off one's abilities”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: da xian shen shou, da xian shen shou,大显身手 meaning, 大显身手 in english
To show off one's abilities
Pronunciation: dà xiǎn shēn shǒu Literal meaning: Greatly display one's abilities
Origin & Usage
This idiom combines 'greatly display' (大显) with 'body and hands' (身手), where 'shenshou' represents one's physical abilities and skills. The phrase originated in martial arts contexts during the Ming Dynasty, describing warriors demonstrating their combat prowess. The theatrical element of 'display' suggests not just using abilities but showcasing them impressively. Modern usage extends to any context where someone has an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and skills, whether in sports, business, or creative endeavors.
Examples
English: "The championship game was his chance to showcase his skills."
Chinese: 冠军赛是他大显身手的机会。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
一鸣惊人
yī míng jīng rén
Sudden, remarkable success
Learn more →
百折不挠
bǎi zhé bù náo
Unshakeable despite adversity
Learn more →
水滴石穿
shuǐ dī shí chuān
Persistence achieves anything
Learn more →
门庭若市
mén tíng ruò shì
Extremely popular
Learn more →
改邪归正
gǎi xié guī zhèng
Return to righteousness
Learn more →
天道酬勤
tiān dào chóu qín
Heaven rewards diligence
Learn more →
物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Extremes lead to reversal
Learn more →
破釜沉舟
pò fǔ chén zhōu
Commit with no retreat
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 大显身手 mean in English?
大显身手 (dà xiǎn shēn shǒu) literally translates to “Greatly display one's abilities” and is used to express “To show off one's abilities”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 大显身手 used?
Situation: The championship game was his chance to showcase his skills.
What is the pinyin for 大显身手?
The pinyin pronunciation for 大显身手 is “dà xiǎn shēn shǒu”.