察察而明 — “To be overly meticulous or excessively astute about minor details”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 察察而明?

谓在细枝末节上用心，而自以为明察。

察察而明 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be overly meticulous or excessively astute about minor details”. Often implying a superficial understanding, a focus on trifles while neglecting more important matters, or an ostentatious display of minor insights. Literally, “Meticulously clear and discerning”.

Frequency

察察而明 Pronunciation and Pinyin

察察而明 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
察	chá	14	observe carefully
察	chá	14	observe carefully
而	ér	6	and, but, then
明	míng	8	bright, clear, understand

Example Sentence with 察察而明

一个人如果总是察察而明，过分计较小事，反而会忽略了真正重要的目标。

If a person is always meticulously astute about minor details and overly concerned with trifles, they will instead neglect truly important goals.

Origin and Story of 察察而明

During the Jin Dynasty, Huangfu Mi, a scholar known as 'Book Addict', was learned and upright. Despite his poverty, he was unwilling to serve in official capacities.

The imperial court invited him multiple times, but he always declined. His fellow villagers didn't understand his reasons.

He explained that if people are swayed by power, they will abandon decorum and righteousness, losing their moral foundation.

He added that sages comprehend the virtues of Fuxi and Shennong, desiring to be 'gentle and harmonious' rather than 'meticulously clear and incisive'.