zyun1 ngau4 gok3 zim1鑽牛角尖钻牛角尖

Jyutpingzyun1 ngau4 gok3 zim1

Yalejyūn ngàuh gok jīm

Definition

Lit. to penetrate into a bull's horn (idiom); fig. to waste time on an insoluble or insignificant problem; a wild goose chase; to split hairs

colloquialemotiondaily actions

How it's used

This idiom describes the mental state of being trapped in a narrow, unproductive line of thought. It implies that the person is making their own life difficult by refusing to see the bigger picture or consider alternative perspectives. It is frequently used as advice to tell someone to stop overthinking or being overly stubborn.

Examples

nei5 m4 hou2 seng4 jat6 zyun3 ngau4 gok3 zim1 laa1 fong3 sung1 di1 laa1

你唔好成日鑽牛角尖啦，放鬆啲啦。

Stop obsessing over minor details all the time, just relax.

keoi5 wai6 zo2 go2 siu2 siu2 cin2 zyun3 ngau4 gok3 zim1 zan1 hai6 m4 dai2

佢為咗嗰少少錢鑽牛角尖，真係唔抵。

It is really not worth it for him to get stuck on such a small amount of money.

Related words

see alsosei2 nou5 gan1死腦筋séi nóuh gān

Common phrases

m4 hou2 zyun3 ngau4 gok3 zim1

唔好鑽牛角尖

do not overthink

seng4 jat6 zyun3 ngau4 gok3 zim1

成日鑽牛角尖

always getting stuck on minor details

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for simply being careful or detail-oriented. It carries a negative connotation of being stuck or irrational, so it should not be used to describe someone who is being thorough or professional.