ming4 caat3 cau1 hou4明察秋毫
Jyutpingming4 caat3 cau1 hou4
Yalemìhng chaat chāu hòuh
Definition
To observe things with extreme clarity and in great detail.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe someone who is exceptionally perceptive or capable of noticing even the smallest details. It carries a sense of intellectual sharpness or investigative insight rather than just physical vision. While it originates from classical Chinese, it is still frequently used in modern Cantonese to compliment someone's keen judgment or to warn others that they cannot easily hide the truth.
Examples
He seems to see through everything I do as if he notices every tiny detail.
Related words
Common phrases
a sharp and discerning eye
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of eyesight. It is a metaphorical expression for mental acuity or insight, not for someone who simply has good vision or wears strong glasses.
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.
