# 明察秋毫

míng chá qiū háo

Notice the finest details with keen judgment

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** See autumn's tiny hairs clearly

**Register:** Appreciative · formal

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

## When to use it

Praise acute observation or fair discernment.

Observing details does not guarantee correct interpretation.

## Understanding the expression

Tiny hairs require exceptionally clear sight, so the image magnifies the observer's precision. Modern use praises someone who notices small clues, hidden discrepancies, or subtle features that others overlook. It can concern investigation, editing, or careful judgment. The phrase values detail, but details still need interpretation. A sharp observer must connect the clues reasonably rather than assume that noticing something unusual automatically proves a particular explanation or accusation.

## Examples

她明察秋毫，发现账目异常。

### Traditional Chinese

她明察秋毫，發現賬目異常。

tā míng chá qiū háo ， fā xiàn zhàng mù yì cháng 。

Her sharp eye found an irregularity in the accounts.

编辑明察秋毫，找出细小错误。

### Traditional Chinese

編輯明察秋毫，找出細小錯誤。

biān jí míng chá qiū háo ， zhǎo chū xì xiǎo cuò wù 。

The editor spotted the smallest errors.

这位老师明察秋毫，看出学生的困惑。

### Traditional Chinese

這位老師明察秋毫，看出學生的困惑。

zhè wèi lǎo shī míng chá qiū háo ， kàn chū xué shēng de kùn huò 。

The teacher perceived the student's subtle confusion.

他虽明察秋毫，也会核实判断。

### Traditional Chinese

他雖明察秋毫，也會核實判斷。

tā suī míng chá qiū háo ， yě huì hé shí pàn duàn 。

Though observant, he still checks his conclusions.

## 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=%E6%98%8E%E5%AF%9F%E7%A7%8B%E6%AF%AB)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=196&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [名副其实 míng fù qí shí Truly deserve the name or reputation ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ming-fu-qi-shi)

- [模棱两可 mó léng liǎng kě Be ambiguous or noncommittal ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/mo-leng-liang-ke)

- [目不识丁 mù bù shí dīng Be unable to read or write ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/mu-bu-shi-ding)

- [暮鼓晨钟 mù gǔ chén zhōng A solemn reminder that awakens reflection ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/mu-gu-chen-zhong)

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