评头品足 to find fault with; to criticize
Explanation
原指轻浮地议论妇女的容貌。现也比喻任意挑剔。
Originally referred to frivolous comments on women's appearance. Now it also refers to arbitrary criticism.
Origin Story
春秋时期，鲁班要雕刻一只凤凰，周围很多人前去围观，不一会，凤凰的头刻出来了，人们开始议论纷纷，有说像仙鹤的，有说像老鹰的，有说像野鸭子的。鲁班不为所动，继续专心致志地雕刻。待凤凰全部雕刻出来后，人们纷纷赞美鲁班是如何神奇，刻得多么好，之前的评头品足也烟消云散了。这个故事告诉我们，做事要专注，不要被外界的干扰影响，才能最终取得成功。
During the Spring and Autumn period, Luban, a famous craftsman, was carving a phoenix. Many people came to watch. Soon, the head of the phoenix was finished, and people started to discuss it. Some said it looked like a crane, others like an eagle, or a wild duck. Luban remained unmoved and continued to work diligently. When the phoenix was finally completed, everyone praised Luban's skill and the beauty of the bird. The previous criticism disappeared. This story teaches us that we should focus on our goals without being distracted by external influences in order to ultimately succeed.
Usage
多用于形容对人或事进行不必要的挑剔。
Often used to describe unnecessary criticism of people or things.
Examples
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他对这幅画评头品足，实在令人厌烦。
tā duì zhè fú huà píngtóupǐn zú, shízài lìng rén yànfán.
He found fault with every detail of the painting, which was really annoying.
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他总是评头品足，对别人的工作指指点点。
tā zǒng shì píngtóupǐn zú, duì bǐ rén de gōngzuò zhǐzhǐ diǎndiǎn
He always nitpicks and points fingers at other people's work..