giu2 wong2 gwo3 zing3矯枉過正矫枉过正
Jyutpinggiu2 wong2 gwo3 zing3
Yalegíu wóng gwo jing
Definition
To overcorrect; to exceed proper limits when trying to rectify a mistake.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a situation where an attempt to fix a problem results in a new, equally problematic extreme. It is often used to criticize someone who takes a piece of advice or a new rule too literally, leading to an unnecessary or harmful change in behavior. While it is a formal idiom, it is frequently used in daily conversation to point out irrational or excessive reactions.
Examples
He overcorrected in his attempt to lose weight and now doesn't even dare to eat rice.
Are you overcorrecting? There is no need to be so extreme.
Related words
Common phrases
an overcorrective approach
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say someone is being strict, but it specifically implies that the person is trying to correct a previous mistake. It cannot be used to describe someone who is just naturally stubborn or rigid without a corrective context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
