cung1 ming4 jat1 sai3 ceon2 deon6 jat1 si4聰明一世，蠢鈍一時聪明一世，蠢钝一时
Jyutpingcung1 ming4 jat1 sai3 ceon2 deon6 jat1 si4
Yalechūng mìhng yāt sai chéun deuhn yāt sìh
Definition
To be clever one's whole life, but foolish in a single moment; even the wisest can have a momentary lapse in judgment.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to console someone who has made a silly mistake despite their reputation for being sharp or capable. It frames the error as an unavoidable human quirk rather than a sign of incompetence. It is frequently employed to lighten the mood when a friend or colleague does something uncharacteristically foolish.
Examples
He is usually so smart, who knew he would have a momentary lapse in judgment.
Don't mind it, who hasn't had a momentary lapse in judgment before?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is consistently foolish, as it specifically highlights the contrast between their usual intelligence and a single, isolated blunder.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
