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
一波三折
yī bō sān zhé
Many twists and turns
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改邪归正
gǎi xié guī zhèng
Return to righteousness
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好逸恶劳
hào yì wù láo
Shirk effort by preference
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物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Push far enough and it turns
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塞翁失马
sài wēng shī mǎ
Misfortune might be a blessing
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近水楼台
jìn shuǐ lóu tái
Advantage from close connections
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夜郎自大
yè láng zì dà
Overestimate oneself
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因果报应
yīn guǒ bào yìng
Good and evil deeds repaid in kind
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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”.