失之毫厘，谬以千里...
shi zhi hao li, miu yi qian li...
Small error, big diff...
Literalmente: Lose by a hair's breadth, err by a thousand miles.
En 15 segundos
- Small initial errors lead to massive final disasters.
- Emphasizes the critical importance of precision and detail.
- Used as a warning or a post-mortem analysis.
Significado
Think of it like a tiny steering error on a ship. A one-inch mistake at the start leads to being miles off course later.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Reviewing a technical blueprint
图纸上这个数据不能错，失之毫厘，谬以千里。
This data on the blueprint cannot be wrong; a tiny error will lead to a huge mistake.
Discussing a missed investment opportunity
当初我犹豫了一秒，结果失之毫厘，谬以千里。
I hesitated for a second at the start, and it made all the difference in the end.
A teacher correcting a student's math decimal
小数点点错了？你要知道失之毫厘，谬以千里！
Wrong decimal point? You should know that a tiny error leads to a huge difference!
Contexto cultural
Used in calligraphy and traditional arts to emphasize that a single stroke can ruin a piece.
Use in writing
This is a great phrase for formal essays or reports.
En 15 segundos
- Small initial errors lead to massive final disasters.
- Emphasizes the critical importance of precision and detail.
- Used as a warning or a post-mortem analysis.
What It Means
This phrase is all about the butterfly effect. It describes how a tiny, almost invisible mistake at the beginning can snowball. By the end, you face a massive, unfixable disaster. It is the ultimate warning against being 'close enough.'
How To Use It
You usually say this when someone underestimates a small detail. It works as a standalone comment or a warning. You can use it to explain why a project failed. It is perfect for those 'I told you so' moments. Just don't be too smug about it!
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings like engineering or coding. A single typo can crash a whole system. Use it when discussing life choices or big investments. It is great for sports when a tiny slip costs the game. Use it when you want to sound wise and observant.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it for things that truly don't matter. If you drop a single grain of rice, don't say this. It will make you sound overly dramatic. Do not use it if the mistake was actually huge. This phrase specifically highlights the contrast between small starts and big ends. If the start was a mess, this doesn't fit.
Cultural Background
This gem comes from the Book of Han. It has been a staple of Chinese wisdom for two millennia. It reflects a cultural obsession with precision and foresight. In ancient times, it often referred to ritual or government policy. Today, it is the favorite phrase of every math teacher in China.
Common Variations
You will often see it shortened to 失之毫厘. People will know exactly what you mean. Sometimes people add 差之千里 as a synonym. Both emphasize that precision is your best friend. It is the linguistic equivalent of 'measure twice, cut once.'
Notas de uso
While it originates from classical literature, it is highly versatile. Use the full eight characters for maximum impact in writing, or the first four in spoken conversation.
Use in writing
This is a great phrase for formal essays or reports.
Ejemplos
6图纸上这个数据不能错，失之毫厘，谬以千里。
This data on the blueprint cannot be wrong; a tiny error will lead to a huge mistake.
Highlights the need for technical precision.
当初我犹豫了一秒，结果失之毫厘，谬以千里。
I hesitated for a second at the start, and it made all the difference in the end.
Reflects on how a small timing issue changed the outcome.
小数点点错了？你要知道失之毫厘，谬以千里！
Wrong decimal point? You should know that a tiny error leads to a huge difference!
Classic 'teacher' usage to emphasize accuracy.
盐放多了一点，结果整锅汤都毁了，真是失之毫厘，谬以千里。
I added a bit too much salt and ruined the whole soup. Talk about a small error causing a big mess.
Applying a grand phrase to a relatable, minor disaster.
那一球没进，真是失之毫厘，谬以千里，最后输了比赛。
That shot missed by a hair, but it cost us the whole game.
Shows how one small moment dictates the final result.
我们在定位上必须精准，否则失之毫厘，谬以千里。
Our positioning must be precise, otherwise we will be miles off target.
Used to stress the importance of a correct starting direction.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing characters.
失之毫厘，____以千里。
The idiom is '失之毫厘，谬以千里'.
🎉 Puntuación: /1
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
1 ejercicios失之毫厘，____以千里。
The idiom is '失之毫厘，谬以千里'.
🎉 Puntuación: /1
Preguntas frecuentes
1 preguntasYes, it is very formal. Avoid using it with friends.
Frases relacionadas
差之毫厘，谬以千里
synonymSame meaning.
