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Having sharp insight or keen observational skills to notice subtle details.
法官明察秋毫，识破了被告的谎言。
The judge, with keen insight, saw through the defendant's lies.
她明察秋毫的能力帮助团队避免了许多错误。
Her perceptive ability helped the team avoid many mistakes.
Often used to describe someone who can detect small details or hidden truths in complex situations.
This idiom is often used in written Chinese, particularly in classical or formal contexts. In spoken Mandarin, simpler phrases like '观察力强' (observational skills strong) or '细心' (attentive) are more common.
Use 明察秋毫 to describe someone's exceptional ability to notice subtle details or hidden truths, especially in formal writing, literary works, or when praising someone's observational skills.
Originates from Mencius' '孟子·梁惠王上' (4th century BCE), where it describes the legendary sharp vision of a bird that can spot autumn hairs (极细小的秋天动物毫毛). Literally means 'to see the autumn hairs clearly,' symbolizing extraordinary perceptiveness.
Primarily used in formal or literary contexts to praise someone's ability to discern subtle details. Avoid using in casual conversation unless quoting a classical text.