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Stroke Order Diagram for 本末転倒

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[ほん(本)·まつ(末)·てん(転)·とう(倒)]
honmatsutentou
noun, suru verb, no adjective

Alternate Written Forms:

[ほん(本)·まつ(末)·てん(顛)·とう(倒)]
honmatsutentou
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Root Words:

[ほん(本)·まつ(末) + てん(転)·とう(倒)]
honmatsu + tentou

English Meaning(s) for 本末転倒

noun, suru verb, no adjective
  1. failing to properly evaluate the (relative) importance (of); putting the cart before the horse; mistaking the cause for the end; mistaking the insignificant for the essential; getting one's priorities backwards
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Meanings for each kanji in 本末転倒

» book; present; main; origin; true; real; counter for long cylindrical things
» end; close; tip; powder; posterity
» revolve; turn around; change
» overthrow; fall; collapse; drop; break down

Stroke Order Diagrams for 本末転倒

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Sample Sentences for 本末転倒

Don't you think you're putting the cart before the horse?
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Planning the wedding before proposing is putting the cart before the horse.
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When you speak of a pay-raise before recognition, I am inclined to think you are putting the cart before the horse.
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Just as all kinds of communication methods are increasing, human relationships are becoming weak. A perfect case of mistaking means for ends.
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You've got your priorities backwards.
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