zi2 luk6 wai4 maa5指鹿為馬指鹿为马
Jyutpingzi2 luk6 wai4 maa5
Yalejí luhk wàih máh
Definition
To distort facts and deliberately misrepresent the truth; to point at a deer and call it a horse.
neutralotherpeople
How it's used
Originating from a historical anecdote about a treacherous official testing his power, this idiom is used to describe someone who deliberately misrepresents reality to manipulate others. It carries a strong sense of indignation and is often used to criticize people in positions of authority who force others to accept blatant lies. Unlike simple lying, it implies an active effort to impose a false narrative on reality.
Examples
He clearly did it wrong, yet he insists on distorting the truth; it is truly outrageous.
Don't try to twist the facts here, the truth is right in front of you.
Related words
Common phrases
openly distort the truth
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say someone is lying. It specifically describes the act of forcing others to agree with a false claim rather than just telling a lie oneself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
