📖 Meaning
Literally meaning to blow apart the hair on a hide to search for blemishes, this idiom describes someone who deliberately picks at others' faults and nitpicks over trivial flaws. It conveys a critical, fault-finding attitude that seeks out shortcomings rather than appreciating merit.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Book of Later Han' (后汉书), specifically in the biography of Du Lin. The text describes how, over time, legal enforcement became increasingly harsh and overbearing, with officials blowing apart hair to seek blemishes and making endless false accusations against people. The passage criticizes the excessive scrutiny and unjust persecution that arose during the later period. Du Lin was a scholar-official of the Eastern Han dynasty known for his learning and integrity.
💡 Example Usage
他对下属的工作总是吹毛索疵，从不给予肯定。
He is always nitpicking his subordinates' work and never gives them any credit.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 吹毛索疵
- Pinyin: chuī máo suǒ cī
- Literal Translation: blow apart hair, seek blemishes
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4