画蛇添足
huà shé tiān zúTo add unnecessary details or actions that spoil the original effect or make things worse
这个建议画蛇添足，反而让项目更复杂了。
This suggestion adds unnecessary details and makes the project more complicated instead.
他多嘴解释了一下，结果画蛇添足，把事情搞砸了。
He added an unnecessary explanation, which backfired and ruined the situation.
This idiom comes from a story where someone drew a snake and added legs, making it look ridiculous. It emphasizes that unnecessary additions can ruin something good.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Usage Tip
This idiom is often used to criticize someone's unnecessary actions or suggestions. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
⚡Gold Rule
Key Rule
Use this idiom when someone adds unnecessary details or actions that make things worse.
📖Word Origin
From a Chinese fable where someone drew a snake and added legs, making it look foolish. The idiom warns against unnecessary additions that spoil the original.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is often used to criticize actions or suggestions that complicate things unnecessarily. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.