Definition
阴差阳错 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally suggests 'Yin error, Yang mistake' — a mystical mix-up between the underworld and the mortal world. It describes a situation where things happen not because of anyone's intention, but because of a chain of small, unpredictable errors or coincidences that lead to an unexpected outcome. You can use it for both good and bad results, always implying that the outcome was unplanned and driven by circumstantial mishaps.
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due to a series of unexpected twists or errorsthrough a chain of unpredictable coincidences
Examples
- 阴差阳错，。yīn chā, wǒmen liǎ jìngrán zài jīchǎng pèngjiàn le.Through a series of unexpected twists, the two of us actually ran into each other at the airport.
- ，阴差阳错。Běnlái jìhuà hǎo de lǚxíng, yīn chā de qǔxiāo le.The trip that was originally well-planned got canceled due to unforeseen complications.
- 阴差阳错，。yīn chā, tā nádào le nà fèn yuánběn bù shǔyú tā de gōngzuò.Through a twist of fate, he got the job that was not originally meant for him.
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