sell (someone, something, or oneself) short
To undervalue someone, something, or oneself; to underestimate or underappreciate the good qualities of someone, something, or oneself. Often used in negative constructions. Don't sell yourself short—your writing is really excellent! I know you don't like their pitcher, but you shouldn't sell him short. He's actually got some of the best stats in the league. I think they're selling this short. It's actually an incredibly good deal!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
sell yourself short
1. If you sell yourself short, you describe yourself as less clever or talented than you really are. We should not sell ourselves short. Our work here is important and we should put a proper value on it.
2. If you sell yourself short, you do things that do not show how clever or talented you are. He's clearly a bright man and yet he sticks with quiz shows. Does he never feel that he is selling himself short? Note: The reference here is to someone being cheated by being given less of something than they have paid for.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
sell yourself/somebody/something ˈshort
describe yourself/somebody/something as being less good, valuable, etc. than you, etc. really are: Don’t sell yourself short when you go for an interview. ♢ It was a great idea, but you sold it short.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017