Chinese edit

to inspect or observe publicly; to note clearly; to perceive a small amount; a little bit; in the slightest
trad. (明察秋毫) 明察 秋毫
simp. #(明察秋毫) 明察 秋毫

Etymology edit

From Mencius (《孟子·梁惠王上》):

:「:『足以』,足以;『足以秋毫』,不見輿?」 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
:「:『足以』,足以;『足以秋毫』,不见?」 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: Mencius, c. 4th century BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Yuē: “Yǒu fù yú wáng zhě yuē: ‘Wú lì zúyǐ jǔ bǎi jūn’, ér bù zúyǐ jǔ yī yǔ; ‘míng zúyǐ chá qiūháo zhī mò’, ér bùjiàn yú xīn, zé wáng xǔ zhī hū?” [Pinyin]
Mencius replied, "Suppose a man were to make this statement to your Majesty: 'My strength is sufficient to lift three thousand catties, but it is not sufficient to lift one feather; my eyesight is sharp enough to examine the point of an autumn hair, but I do not see a wagon-load of faggots;' would your Majesty allow what he said?"

Pronunciation edit


Idiom edit

明察秋毫

  1. to perceive the minutest details