hide one’s light under a bushel: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The phrase "hide one's light under a bushel" is a well-known idiom with a metaphorical meaning. It is derived from a passage in the Gospel of Matthew (5:15) where it states, "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 idiom, which has its origins in Christian teachings, means to hide or conceal one's talents, accomplishments, or abilities.

The idiom is composed of the verb "hide," meaning to conceal or keep something out of sight, and the noun "light," which metaphorically represents one's talents, abilities, or accomplishments. When someone hides their light under a bushel, they are choosing to keep their valuable qualities or abilities hidden and not sharing them with others. This can be likened to placing a lit candle under a bucket or bushel basket, which would obscure the light it gives off.

The use of the word "bushel" in this idiom refers to a unit of measurement for dry goods. In the past, a bushel basket was commonly used to carry or store grains, fruits, or vegetables. With its capacity to hold a substantial amount, it serves as an apt symbol for hiding one's light or talents. Just as the bushel basket would hide what is inside it, individuals who hide their light under a bushel are keeping their talents or accomplishments concealed.

This idiom is often used to convey a sense of modesty or humility. It suggests that individuals who possess remarkable abilities or accomplishments may choose to downplay or conceal them. This could be due to a lack of self-confidence or a desire to avoid attention or jealousy. In some cultural contexts, there may be an expectation of modesty, leading individuals to hide their abilities as a sign of humility. However, by doing so, they may be limiting their potential impact or influence on others.

One related idiom that shares a similar idea is "hide in plain sight." When someone hides in plain sight, they are present and visible, but their true nature or abilities go unnoticed or unrecognized. It is as if they are hiding right in front of everyone, but nobody sees them for who they truly are. This idiom highlights the importance of not only revealing one's talents or accomplishments but also ensuring that they are noticed and acknowledged by others.

Another related idiom is "cover up." While "hide one's light under a bushel" focuses more on hiding one's abilities or accomplishments, "cover up" has a broader meaning. It refers to concealing or hiding something, often with the intention of preventing others from discovering the truth or finding out about certain actions or information. In the context of talents or accomplishments, "cover up" can be used to describe situations where someone intentionally hides their abilities or achievements, possibly out of fear of being judged or facing scrutiny.

The idiom "hide one's light under a bushel" reflects the tendency of individuals to conceal their talents or accomplishments. Its origins lie in Biblical teachings, and it has been in use for centuries. By using this idiom, speakers emphasize the importance of not hiding one's abilities and encourage the expression of one's talents for the benefit of oneself and others. In a similar vein, the idioms "hide in plain sight" and "cover up" highlight the consequences of hiding one's abilities, whether it be going unnoticed or deliberately concealing them.