巧こうと拙せつ

expression

skillfulness and clumsiness; skill and awkwardness

A set phrase contrasting skill and clumsiness, often used in discussions of art, craft, or technique. Not a common everyday expression; more likely in literary or reflective contexts.

• 芸げい術じゅつにおいては、巧こうと拙せつの境きょう界かいは時ときに曖あい昧まいだ。

  In art, the boundary between skillfulness and clumsiness is sometimes vague.