本末倒置

本末倒置 běn mò dào zhì ㄅㄣˇ ㄇㄛˋ ㄉㄠˋ ㄓˋ bun2 mut6 dou2 zi3

lit. to invert root and branch (idiom); fig. confusing cause and effect
to stress the incidental over the fundamental
to put the cart before the horse

Stroke order

Practice writing

Draw 本 (1 of 4) — stroke by stroke.

Character breakdown

本 radical 木 = 木一
末 radical 木 = 木一
倒 radical 亻 = 亻到
置 radical 罒 = 罒直

Example sentences

不要把本末倒置。 Don't put the cart before the horse.

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