📖 Meaning
To point out both the flaws and the merits of a person or work, evaluating them with discerning fairness. The imagery draws on '瑕' (blemishes in jade) and '瑜' (fine jade), symbolizing shortcomings and virtues respectively. It describes a balanced, honest critique that acknowledges both strengths and weaknesses.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from a preface by the Ming dynasty writer Yuan Hongdao, titled 'Preface to Seeing Off Magistrate Xu on His Fiscal Report.' In it, Yuan describes how scholars filling the courtyard would present their examination essays, and the magistrate would pick out their flaws and point out their merits, leaving everyone thoroughly convinced. The expression thus came to denote the act of fair, perceptive evaluation. A later usage appears in a memorial by Zhang Tongkui of the same dynasty, praising a former emperor's ability to assess famous ministers and veteran generals with exhaustive precision.
💡 Example Usage
这位教授评审论文时摘瑕指瑜，令学生心服口服。
When reviewing papers, this professor points out both the flaws and the merits, leaving the students thoroughly convinced.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 摘瑕指瑜
- Pinyin: tì xiá zhǐ yú
- Literal Translation: pluck flaws, point out jade
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4