自相矛盾 zìxiāng-máodùn to contradict oneself
to contradict oneself; self-contradictory; inconsistent
How to remember 自相矛盾: 自 self + 相 mutual + 矛 spear + 盾 shield = to contradict oneself.
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How it is used
- Idiom: to contradict oneself - from the fable of a man selling both an unstoppable spear (矛) and an impenetrable shield (盾) - 你的说法自相矛盾 (nǐ de shuōfǎ zìxiāng máodùn) your statement contradicts itself.
- Points out internal inconsistency in an argument, story, or set of claims.
- The 矛/盾 imagery is the origin of the word 矛盾 (contradiction) itself.