Japanese

めいしゅあんとう
Meaning: a precious thing or talent being misunderstood or wasted because it is offered in the wrong way
Part of Speech: Noun, Four-character idiom

Listen to pronunciation

Example

贈り物も時を誤れば明珠暗投となり、好意が伝わらない。
Even a gift, if given at the wrong time, can fail to convey goodwill.

Usage Notes

A formal idiom used for an ill-timed gift, misplaced talent, or value that is not recognized because the presentation or context is wrong.

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