Shān mù wěizi zuò bùliǎo zhèngliáng.

Lit Wood from the top part of the China fir [tree] can't be made into a main roof beam.

Fig Ordinary people cannot fulfill the role of talented people.

Note [Said of people of little ability, or modestly of oneself; the China fir has a wood of poor quality.]

Topics ABILITY MODESTY QUALIFICATIONS TALENT