hat6 zi2 mo2 zoeng6瞎子摸象
Jyutpinghat6 zi2 mo2 zoeng6
Yalehaht jí mó jeuhng
Definition
To mistake a part for the whole, based on a narrow or incomplete perspective.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who draws a conclusion based on limited or incomplete information. It is often used to criticize people who are overly confident in their narrow perspective. While it functions as a set phrase, it is frequently used in a metaphorical sense to describe poor decision making in business or personal conflicts.
Examples
Looking at the situation like that is just like the blind men feeling the elephant.
Don't jump to conclusions based on partial information, look at it clearly first.
Related words
Common phrases
simply like the blind men feeling the elephant
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 盲人摸象, but they are identical in meaning and usage. The term is slightly more formal than everyday slang, so it is better suited for discussions or debates rather than casual small talk.
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.
