Chinese idiom · 成语
明察秋毫
Meaning
To see autumn’s finest hair; keen perception.
Character by character
Origin and story
Philosophical metaphorThe Mencius uses a sharp contrast while addressing King Xuan of Qi: would one believe someone who could see the tip of a tiny autumn hair but not a cartload of firewood? The point is not a ruler's detective skill. Mencius argues that failing to extend care to the people reflects unwillingness to use an existing capacity, rather than inability.
A related passage attributed to the Chan Zi praises the legendary eyesight of Li Lou, who supposedly discerned such fine hairs from a distance. These images of exceptional sight became a metaphor for noticing very small details and judging matters clearly. The exact modern idiom condenses the longer classical wording.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
她核对账单时明察秋毫，连重复收的两块钱都发现了。
She checks bills so closely that she even caught a duplicate two-yuan charge.
Praises attention to extremely small details; 明 concerns clear perception.