Definition
一念之差 is a fixed four-character idiom (成语) meaning a momentary lapse in judgment that leads to serious, often irreversible, consequences. The phrase literally conveys that a single thought (一念) creates a gap (差) between right and wrong, success and failure. You use it to explain how a small, quick decision can have an outsized negative impact, often in hindsight.
n.
a momentary lapse in judgment with severe repercussions
Examples
- 一念之差。yī niàn zhī chā dǎozhì tā shīqùle zuì hǎo de jīhuì.A momentary slip caused him to lose the best opportunity.
- 一念之差，。Jiù yīnwèi yī niàn zhī chā, tā de rénshēng cóngcǐ gǎibiàn le.Just because of a momentary wrong decision, his life changed from then on.
- 。Nàge shìgù wánquán shì yī niàn zhī chā zàochéng de.That accident was entirely caused by a momentary lapse in judgment.
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