不是金子怎么发亮
[bù shì jīn zi zĕn me fā liàng]
This phrase is somewhat playful or teasing. In literal English it says 'if not a piece of gold then how can it glitter?', meaning one may feel like they need to have outstanding talent or traits to shine or standout. It suggests a humble self-evaluation, questioning the possibility of success without certain inherent attributes.