soeng5 gong1 soeng5 sin3上綱上線上纲上线
Jyutpingsoeng5 gong1 soeng5 sin3
Yaleséuhng gōng séuhng sin
Definition
To exaggerate a minor issue by adding multiple layers of interpretation, turning it into a serious wrongdoing to criticize heavily.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Originating from political discourse, this term describes the act of elevating a trivial mistake to the level of a major moral or ideological failure. It carries a strong sense of annoyance toward people who are overly sensitive or prone to moral grandstanding. Use it when someone is looking for trouble by reading too much into a simple comment or action.
Examples
Don't blow such a small matter out of proportion.
He always likes to over-interpret things, which puts everyone under a lot of pressure.
Related words
Common phrases
likes to blow things out of proportion
don't over-interpret things
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply being critical, but it specifically implies a process of over-analyzing and escalating a minor issue into something much larger than it actually is.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
