抛头露面
抛头露面 (pāo tóu lù miàn) literally means “expose head and face” and expresses “public exposure”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: pao tou lu mian, pao tou lu mian,抛头露面 meaning, 抛头露面 in english
Public exposure
Pronunciation: pāo tóu lù miàn Literal meaning: Expose head and face
Origin & Usage
To throw out (抛) the head (头) and show (露) the face (面). It began as a reproach aimed specifically at women appearing in public, in a society where seclusion was the expectation, and the disapproval is built into 抛 — the head is not merely shown but flung out. That original charge has faded, though not entirely. Modern usage is broader and much milder, describing anyone who appears publicly and often carrying only a light suggestion that they would rather not.
Examples
English: "After years of working behind the scenes, she finally decided to step into the spotlight."
Chinese: 经过多年的幕后工作，她终于决定抛头露面。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
抛砖引玉
pāo zhuān yǐn yù
Offer modest view to inspire better
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金风玉露
jīn fēng yù lù
Autumn wind and dew; autumn scenery
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风餐露宿
fēng cān lù sù
Endure hardships of travel; rough it
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四面楚歌
sì miàn chǔ gē
Surrounded by hostility
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春风满面
chūn fēng mǎn miàn
Look happy and content
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四面八方
sì miàn bā fāng
From all directions
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垂头丧气
chuí tóu sàng qì
Dejected; dispirited
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回头是岸
huí tóu shì àn
Repent and be saved
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 抛头露面 mean in English?
抛头露面 (pāo tóu lù miàn) literally translates to “Expose head and face” and is used to express “Public exposure”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 抛头露面 used?
Situation: After years of working behind the scenes, she finally decided to step into the spotlight.
What is the pinyin for 抛头露面?
The pinyin pronunciation for 抛头露面 is “pāo tóu lù miàn”.