言过其实

言過其實

yánguòqíshí

idiom #32,049

Meanings

1 to exaggerate; to overstate the facts
2 one's words go beyond the reality

Characters

its; the (classical)

reality; substance

Examples

这个宣传有点言过其实。

Zhège xuānchuán yǒudiǎn yán guò qí shí.

This advertising is a bit of an exaggeration.

他的描述言过其实，实际情况没那么糟。

Tā de miáoshù yán guò qí shí, shíjì qíngkuàng méi nàme zāo.

His description overstates things — the actual situation isn't that bad.

说他是天才也许言过其实，但他确实聪明。

Shuō tā shì tiāncái yěxǔ yán guò qí shí, dàn tā quèshí cōngmíng.

Calling him a genius may be overstating it, but he's certainly smart.

Tips

history

From 《三国志·蜀书·马良传》: Liu Bei on his deathbed warned Zhuge Liang that 'Ma Su's words go beyond his substance — he should not be given great responsibility.' Zhuge Liang ignored the advice, appointed Ma Su to defend Jieting (街亭), and the loss cost the Shu campaign.

usage

Neutral-to-negative. Describes claims, praise, reports, or ads that inflate reality. Common frames: 这么说有点言过其实 / 言过其实地夸奖. Compare with 夸大其词 (similar, slightly stronger) and 名不副实 (reputation doesn't match reality).

Stroke Order

言 yán

过 guò

其 qí

实 shí