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Sleeping giant
01
a person, organization, or entity that has immense potential, power, or influence, but is currently inactive, unaware, or not utilizing their capabilities
What is the origin of the idiom "sleeping giant" and when to use it?
It is likely that the origin of "sleeping giant" comes from a quote attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, who allegedly said, "China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move the world." This quote suggests that China had great potential as a world power but had not yet fully realized its power. The idiom "sleeping giant" is commonly used to describe a person, group, or organization that has great potential or power but has not yet been fully utilized or realized.
Example
The sleeping giant of the music industry finally woke up with the release of their latest album, which became a huge commercial success.
The startup company has an innovative technology and a talented team, making it a sleeping giant.
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