Shuǐ shēn bù xiǎng; xiǎng shuǐ bù shēn.

水深不響, 響水不深。

Lit Deep water doesn't [make a] sound, [and] water [that makes a] sound isn't deep.

Fig Learned people are modest, while shallow people brag.

Note [See also gǔ kōng, shēng gāo and kōng guànzi and shuǐ jìng zé above and zhěng píng bù yáo below.]

Topics BRAGGING MODESTY