Cōngming yīshì, hútu yīshí.

聰明一世, 糊塗一時。

Lit Clever one lifetime, muddled one time.

Fig A lifetime of cleverness can be interrupted by moments of stupidity. “Smart as a rule, but this time a fool.” “Even Homer sometimes nods.”

Note [Cf. Xǐngshì Héngyán, chap. 37; see also shèngrén yě yǒu and zhìzhě qiān lǜ below and the following entry.]

Topics CLEVERNESS MISTAKES MUDDLEHEADEDNESS STUPIDITY Xǐngshì_Héngyán