旁观者清 páng guān zhě qīng
the onlooker sees most clearly; an outsider has a clearer view
Literally: side watch person clear
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Origin
From the Old Book of Tang, where an official says that those in the game are confused while onlookers see clearly; often paired with 当局者迷.
How to use it
Standalone or predicate; neutral. Often 当局者迷,旁观者清.
Example sentences
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- 当局者迷，旁观者清，你还是听听朋友的意见吧。Dāngjúzhě mí, páng guān zhě qīng, nǐ háishi tīngting péngyou de yìjiàn ba.Those involved are confused while onlookers see clearly; you'd better hear your friends out.in-game-person confused, side watch person clear, you still listen friend (particle) opinion (suggestion-particle)
- 旁观者清，也许她看得比我们更明白。Páng guān zhě qīng, yěxǔ tā kàn de bǐ wǒmen gèng míngbai.An outsider sees clearly; perhaps she understands it better than we do.side watch person clear, perhaps she see (particle) than us more clear
More chengyu about wisdom & judgement
- 井底之蛙jǐng dǐ zhī wāa person of narrow outlook; someone who cannot see beyond their own small world
- 掩耳盗铃yǎn ěr dào língto bury one's head in the sand; to deceive oneself
- 塞翁失马sài wēng shī mǎa blessing in disguise; a setback may turn out to be a benefit
- 未雨绸缪wèi yǔ chóu móuto prepare for a rainy day; to take precautions in advance
- 自相矛盾zì xiāng máo dùnself-contradictory; to contradict oneself
- 因小失大yīn xiǎo shī dàto lose big for the sake of something small; penny wise, pound foolish
- 有备无患yǒu bèi wú huànpreparedness averts peril; be prepared and you have nothing to fear
- 三思而行sān sī ér xíngto think carefully before acting; look before you leap