# 狗尾续貂

gǒu wěi xù diāo

Add an inferior continuation to something excellent

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Attach a dog's tail to sable fur

**Traditional Chinese:** 狗尾續貂

**Register:** Critical · literary

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Criticize a weak sequel or addition.

Also used modestly about one's own contribution.

## Understanding the expression

Sable fur is valued, while a dog's tail makes a poor substitute when attached to it. The contrast explains an addition that lowers the quality of a fine original. A sequel, ending, or extra passage may seem unnecessary and inferior. The phrase can also modestly introduce one's own small contribution, though that politeness need not reflect actual poor quality. It is about the mismatch between parts, not simply any later installment.

## Examples

续集情节粗糙，像是狗尾续貂。

### Traditional Chinese

續集情節粗糙，像是狗尾續貂。

xù jí qíng jié cū cāo ， xiàng shì gǒu wěi xù diāo 。

The rough sequel feels like an inferior continuation.

再加一章恐怕狗尾续貂。

### Traditional Chinese

再加一章恐怕狗尾續貂。

zài jiā yì zhāng kǒng pà gǒu wěi xù diāo 。

Adding another chapter might weaken the excellent work.

她谦称自己的补充是狗尾续貂。

### Traditional Chinese

她謙稱自己的補充是狗尾續貂。

tā qiān chēng zì jǐ de bǔ chōng shì gǒu wěi xù diāo 。

She modestly called her addition an inferior continuation.

这个结尾狗尾续貂，破坏了前面的节奏。

### Traditional Chinese

這個結尾狗尾續貂，破壞了前面的節奏。

zhè ge jié wěi gǒu wěi xù diāo ， pò huài le qián miàn de jié zòu 。

The weak ending spoils the earlier rhythm.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E7%8B%97%E5%B0%BE%E7%BA%8C%E8%B2%82)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=501&webMd=1&la=0)

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