孔夫子门前卖文章
kǒng​fū​zǐ​mén​qián​mài​wén​zhāng

to display one's slight talent before a master

  1. 孔夫子 kǒng​fū​zǐ
    Confucius
    A respectful name for 孔子 kǒng​zǐ (551–479 BC); ancient Chinese thinker, social philosopher, and the founder of Confucianism
  2. 门前 門前 mén​qián nounlocative
    doorfront
    the area in front of a door, gate, or house
  3. 卖 賣 mài verb
    to show off
    To flaunt one's abilities or assets; to parade or show off.
  4. 文章 wén​zhāng noun
    article
    article; essay; literary works; writings