关公面前耍大刀

关公面前耍大刀:

Literally means:

play axe before the eyes of General Guan Yu; teach fish to swim.

Actually means:

关公 (关羽), a general in the period of Three Kingdoms, who was good at exercising his axe. 耍, play or perform.

This phrase literally means playing axe before general 关. It figuratively means showing off one's skill before the master.

It is usually used to ridicule those who overestimate or overstate their abilities. It is derogatory.

关公，关羽，三国时代的一位将军，擅长使用大刀。耍，表演。

关公面前耍大刀，在关公面前表演耍大刀。比喻在行家面前卖弄自己的本领。

常用来嘲笑对方不自量力，没有自知之明。具有贬义色彩。