初露锋芒

初露鋒芒
chūlù-fēngmáng
idiom #55,879

Meanings

  1. 1 to show one's edge for the first time
  2. 2 to display one's talent for the first time
  3. 3 first signs of budding ability

Examples

Tā zài zhè cì bǐsài zhōng chūlù-fēngmáng, duódé dì-yī míng.
He showed his talent for the first time in this competition, taking first place.
Zhè wèi niánqīng zuòjiā zài wéntán chūlù-fēngmáng biàn huòdé le guǎngfàn guānzhù.
This young writer drew wide attention as soon as she first emerged on the literary scene.

Tips

memory
Literally 'edge of a sword first revealed' - 锋芒 is the gleaming sharp edge of a blade. Imagine pulling a sword halfway from its sheath: the tip catches the light. That's a rookie's first flash of skill.
usage
Almost always positive, used of athletes, artists, scientists or students at the start of their career. Antonyms include 锋芒毕露 ('showing one's edge too openly', often a warning) and 韬光养晦 ('keep a low profile').

Stroke Order

chū
fēng
máng