南辕北辙

nányuánběizhé

try to go south by driving the chariot north—act in a way that defeats one's purpose

* * *

poles apart

* * *

poles apart

* * *

nan2 yuan2 bei3 zhe2

to act in a way that defeats one's purpose (idiom)

* * *

南辕北辙

nán yuán běi zhé

go south by driving the chariot north -- act in a way that defeats one's purpose; be poles apart; go south by driving the chariot northward -- act in direct contravention to; have nothing in common; means and end opposed; Practice diametrically opposed to preaching.; run counter to

* * *

南轅北轍|南辕北辙 [nán yuán běi zhé] ► to act in a way that defeats one's purpose (idiom)