Japanese

ひにくのたん
Meaning: lament over having no chance to show one's ability; frustration at wasted potential
Part of Speech: Noun, Four-character idiom

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Example

彼は閑職で力を発揮できず、髀肉之嘆を抱いた。
He could not use his abilities in a minor post, so he felt the frustration of wasted potential.

Usage Notes

A formal idiom based on a story about Liu Bei. It suits writing about capable people who lack a chance to act.

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