gwaat3 muk6 soeng1 hon1刮目相看

Jyutpinggwaat3 muk6 soeng1 hon1

Yalegwaat muhk sēung hōn

語句Rare

Definition

To look at someone with new eyes; to treat someone with increased respect after their performance improves.

neutralpeopledescriptions

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong sense of surprise or shift in judgment regarding someone's capabilities. It is typically used when someone exceeds expectations after previously being underestimated or performing poorly. While it is a four character idiom, it is frequently integrated into natural speech to emphasize a sudden change in opinion.

Examples

keoi5佢zeon3進bou6步zo2咗gam3咁do1多，zan1真hai6係ling3令ngo5我gwaat3刮muk6目soeng1相hon1看。

He has improved so much, I am truly impressed.

nei5你ji5以wai4為keoi5佢mou5冇liu2料dou3到？tai2睇jyun4完keoi5佢biu2表jin6現nei5你zau6就gwaat3刮muk6目soeng1相hon1看㗎gaa2喇。

You think he has no talent? You will see him in a new light after watching his performance.

Common phrases

ling3令ngo5我gwaat3刮muk6目soeng1相hon1看

to make me see someone in a new light

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple compliment, but it specifically implies that the speaker previously held a low opinion or had low expectations of the person. Using it for someone you have always respected or admired sounds unnatural and slightly condescending.