画蛇添足
phrase idiomatic expressions
LanguageChinese (China)
Meaning- Draw a snake and add feet (to ruin something by adding unnecessary details)
- This idiom serves as a warning against causing a failure by adding unnecessary elements to an otherwise complete work.
文章已经写得很完美了，你再多写几段简直是画蛇添足。
The article is already perfect; writing more paragraphs is simply drawing a snake and adding feet.
本来演讲很精彩，但他最后的多余解释反而成了画蛇添足。
The speech was great, but his extra explanation at the end ended up being like drawing a snake and adding feet.
Registerformal
Usage noteIt is used when someone spoils a successful outcome by trying to perfect it excessively or providing redundant information.
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