"Efface oneself" means to purposely make oneself inconspicuous or to withdraw from a situation so that one doesn’t draw attention to themselves. It often implies a desire to avoid standing out or being noticed by others.
This phrase is not extremely common in everyday conversation but can be found in both written and oral contexts, often used in literary works or formal discussions. It has a relatively low frequency of use compared to more common expressions, primarily because it conveys a specific introspective notion.
To cope with the chaos around him, he chose to efface oneself and let others take the lead.
(Для того чтобы справиться с хаосом вокруг, он решил стереть себя и позволить другим взять на себя инициативу.)
In a team meeting filled with strong personalities, she often felt the need to efface oneself to avoid conflict.
(На командном собрании, наполненном сильными личностями, она часто чувствовала необходимость стереть себя, чтобы избежать конфликта.)
Sometimes, it is wise to efface oneself in a group to allow others the opportunity to shine.
(Иногда разумно стереть себя в группе, чтобы дать другим возможность сиять.)
While "efface oneself" is not typically part of broader idiomatic expressions, the concept of self-effacement does tie into various phrases that convey humility or a lack of desire for recognition. Here are some examples:
Fly under the radar - He prefers to fly under the radar at work, doing his job quietly without seeking attention.
(Он предпочитает летать ниже радара на работе, тихо выполняя свою работу, не ища внимания.)
Keep a low profile - In social situations, she likes to keep a low profile to avoid unnecessary discussions.
(В социальных ситуациях ей нравится поддерживать низкий профиль, чтобы избежать ненужных обсуждений.)
Blend in with the crowd - He tries to blend in with the crowd, as he doesn't want to draw attention to his unconventional ideas.
(Он пытается смешаться с толпой, так как не хочет привлекать внимание к своим необычным идеям.)
Take a back seat - In discussions, she often takes a back seat, allowing others to express their views first.
(В обсуждениях она часто занимает заднее сиденье, позволяя другим сначала выражать свои мнения.)
Step aside - Sometimes it is best to step aside and let more experienced voices lead the way.
(Иногда лучше отойти в сторону и позволить более опытным голосам вести дорогу.)
Stay out of the spotlight - He hopes to stay out of the spotlight as he prefers privacy in his personal life.
(Он хочет остаться вне света рампы, так как предпочитает личную жизнь в уединении.)
The term "efface" comes from the Latin "effacere", meaning "to do away with" or "to erase." The components "ex-" meaning "out" and "facere" meaning "to make" contribute to its meaning of removing or erasing. The word "oneself" emphasizes the personal aspect of this action, indicating that the individual is actively making the choice to diminish their presence.
Synonyms: - Obliterate oneself - Withdraw - Disappear - Fade into the background
Antonyms: - Stand out - Assert oneself - Attract attention - Shine
This breakdown provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase "efface oneself," its usage, and related concepts in the English language.