ask a blind man for directions; seek advice from the ignorant
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to ask a blind person for directions; (figurative) to seek advice from someone who knows nothing about the subject
formalA fixed four-character idiom used to describe the futility of asking for help from someone completely unqualified or ignorant of the matter. Often carries a critical, ironic, or admonishing tone.
Nǐ你
wèn问
tā他
jì技
shù术
wèn问
tí题
，
jiǎn简
zhí直
shì是
wèn问
dào道
yú于
máng盲
。
Asking him technical questions is simply like asking a blind man for directions.
Xiàng向
yī一
gè个
wài外
háng行
qǐng请
jiào教
zhuān专
yè业
wèn问
tí题
，
wú无
yì异
yú于
wèn问
dào道
yú于
máng盲
。
Asking a layman for advice on professional matters is no different from asking a blind man for directions.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Wǒ我
duì对
zhè这
fāng方
miàn面
yī一
qiào窍
bù不
tōng通
，
nǐ你
wèn问
wǒ我
qǐ岂
bù不
shì是
wèn问
dào道
yú于
máng盲
？
I don't know the first thing about this; wouldn't asking me be like asking a blind man for directions?