be excessively calculating about minor things; split hairs
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to split hairs; to be excessively particular about trivial matters
derogatoryUsed to describe someone who is overly meticulous and calculative about insignificant details, especially regarding money or personal gain. Often has a slightly derogatory connotation.
Tā他
zhè这
ge个
rén人
gēn跟
péng朋
you友
chī吃
fàn饭
dōu都
yào要
fēn分
jīn斤
bāi掰
liǎng两
，
tài太
bù不
dà大
qì气
le了
。
He splits hairs even when eating with friends; he's really petty.
Zuò做
dà大
shì事
de的
rén人
，
bù不
néng能
zǒng总
shì是
fēn分
jīn斤
bāi掰
liǎng两
。
People who want to achieve great things shouldn't always be so calculating about minor details.
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Hé合
zuò作
xū需
yào要
hù互
xiāng相
xìn信
rèn任
，
fēn分
jīn斤
bāi掰
liǎng两
de的
hé合
zuò作
guān关
xi系
shì是
zǒu走
bù不
yuǎn远
de的
。
Cooperation requires mutual trust; a partnership based on splitting hairs won't last.