刮目相看
刮目相看 (guā mù xiāng kàn) literally means “scrape eyes look anew”and expresses “reassess someone who has improved”.This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom & learning.
Also searched as: gua mu xiang kan, gua mu xiang kan,刮目相看 meaning, 刮目相看 in english
Pronunciation: guā mù xiāng kàn Literal meaning: Scrape eyes look anew
Origin & Usage
This perceptive idiom suggests scraping (刮) one's eyes (目) to view (看) someone differently (相), originating from a Three Kingdoms period interaction between strategists. Historical records recount how Lu Meng significantly improved his knowledge, prompting Sun Quan to remark that one would need to 'scrape one's eyes' to see him anew. The vivid image suggested clearing away previous perceptions like removing a film from the eyes. During the Tang Dynasty, it became a standard reference for recognizing someone's dramatically improved abilities. Unlike terms for simple reassessment, it specifically describes positive reappraisal following significant development. Modern usage encourages recognizing others' growth and improvement rather than maintaining outdated assessments, particularly regarding individuals previously underestimated.
When to Use
Situation: After her breakthrough performance, critics had to reassess her artistic abilities
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
得心应手
dé xīn yìng shǒu
Work with great ease; have complete mastery
Learn more →
驾轻就熟
jià qīng jiù shú
Be very familiar with; handle with expertise
Learn more →
轻车熟路
qīng chē shú lù
Be experienced; find something easy due to familiarity
Learn more →
游刃有余
yóu rèn yǒu yú
Handle with ease; have skill to spare
Learn more →
成竹在胸
chéng zhú zài xiōng
Have a well-thought-out plan; be confident
Learn more →
适可而止
shì kě ér zhǐ
Stop at the right point; practice moderation
Learn more →
见好就收
jiàn hǎo jiù shōu
Quit while ahead; take profits
Learn more →
急流勇退
jí liú yǒng tuì
Retire at the peak; know when to quit
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 刮目相看 mean in English?
刮目相看 (guā mù xiāng kàn) literally translates to “Scrape eyes look anew”and is used to express “Reassess someone who has improved”. This Chinese idiom belongs to theWisdom & Learning category..
When is 刮目相看 used?
Situation: After her breakthrough performance, critics had to reassess her artistic abilities
What is the pinyin for 刮目相看?
The pinyin pronunciation for 刮目相看 is “guā mù xiāng kàn”.