







南山隐豹 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a virtuous person living in seclusion”. Often referring to a wise individual who chooses not to serve in officialdom, prioritizing personal integrity or peace over worldly gains. Literally, “Hidden leopard of Nanshan Mountain”.
During the Spring and Autumn period, Da Zi, a high-ranking official from Tao Yi in the State of Song, accumulated a large amount of wealth during his three years in office. He then returned home to hide.
His wife tearfully advised him to learn from the Nanshan hidden leopard, which, when encountering heavy rain and fog, would go seven days without foraging to protect its fur. Da Zi completely ignored her advice.
Later, he was reported, and the King of Song ordered Da Zi's execution.

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Open the tool →南山隐豹 (nán shān yǐn bào) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “a virtuous person living in seclusion”.
南山隐豹 is pronounced nán shān yǐn bào in Mandarin Chinese.
Literally, 南山隐豹 means “Hidden leopard of Nanshan Mountain”. It is used to mean “a virtuous person living in seclusion”.
南山隐豹 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
隐:隐伏。比喻隐居山林不仕的贤人