Chinese language study HK -Showing Off One’s Proficiency with the Axe Before Lu Ban the Master Carpenter

Mandarin Lesson

Lu Ban was supposed to be a consummate carpenter in ancient times. It is said that he once carved a wooden phoenix that was so lifelike that it actually flew in the sky for three days. Thus it was considered the height of folly to show off one’s skill with an axe in front of Lu Ban.

This idiom excoriates those who show off their slight accomplishments in front of experts.

班門弄斧  
古代有一個建築和雕刻技術非常高超的人,名叫魯班,木匠行里尊稱他為祖師。傳說他曾用木頭製作了一隻五彩斑斕的鳳凰,能夠在空中飛翔三天不掉下來。在魯班門前擺弄斧子,當然顯得有些自不量力了。  
 “班門弄斧”這個成語,用來比喻在行家面前顯示本領。