神工鬼斧

shéngōngguǐfǔ
idiom

Meanings

  1. 1 uncanny workmanship
  2. 2 supernaturally fine craft
  3. 3 exceeding human skill

Examples

Zhè zuò shíkū diāoxiàng zhēn shì shéngōngguǐfǔ.
The carvings in this grotto are truly the work of gods.
Huángshān de qífēng guàishí shéngōngguǐfǔ.
Huangshan's strange peaks and stones are nature's masterwork.
Tā de wēidiāo jìyì shéngōngguǐfǔ, lìng rén tànfú.
His micro-carving skill is uncanny — astonishing to watch.

Tips

history
From 《庄子·》, where carpenter carves a bell stand so lifelike that viewers think it's the work of gods or spirits. The variant 鬼斧神工 (guǐfǔ-shéngōng) is more common in modern usage; meaning is identical.

Stroke Order

shén
gōng
guǐ