dyun6 zoeng1 ceoi2 ji6斷章取義断章取义
Jyutpingdyun6 zoeng1 ceoi2 ji6
Yaledyuhn jēung chéui yih
Definition
To quote out of context; to take a passage or statement out of context to distort its original meaning.
neutralcommunication
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, usually used to accuse someone of being intellectually dishonest or manipulative. It is frequently employed in political debates, media criticism, or heated arguments where someone has cherry-picked a phrase to misrepresent the speaker's original intent. Unlike simply misunderstanding someone, this term implies a deliberate act of distortion.
Examples
Don't take my words out of context, that's not what I meant back then.
He always takes things out of context to smear people, it's very low.
Related words
Common phrases
maliciously take out of context
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for misunderstanding. It is specifically reserved for the act of quoting or extracting a segment of text or speech to change its meaning, rather than just a failure to grasp the full picture.
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.
