📖 Meaning
Hao and li are both tiny units of measurement, and xi means to analyze or dissect. The phrase describes analyzing or examining something down to the smallest detail. It conveys a meticulous, fine-grained approach to analysis.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Liu Xie's 'Wen Xin Diao Long: Ding Shi' (The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons: On Determining Momentum), written during the Southern Dynasties under the Liang dynasty. In this work, Liu Xie discussed how writers of his era varied in style—some favored ornate, rich prose while others preferred sharp, precise argumentation that dissected every subtle distinction. The phrase was used to characterize those who analyzed matters down to the finest detail.
💡 Example Usage
这位老会计分毫析厘地核算着账目，确保每一笔开支都准确无误。
The senior accountant scrutinized the accounts down to the finest detail, ensuring every expense was perfectly accurate.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 分毫析厘
- Pinyin: fēn háo xī lí
- Literal Translation: divide, hair, analyze, one-hundredth
- Category: Method
- Characters: 4