Definition
不置可否 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning to avoid stating an opinion or taking a side. Literally 'not place [oneself as] yes or no,' it describes someone who deliberately remains vague or noncommittal, often in formal or political situations. You can use it when someone refuses to say whether they agree or disagree, or when they give an evasive answer.
id.
to decline to commentto be noncommittal
Examples
- ，不置可否，。Jìzhě zhuīwèn tā de kànfǎ, tā zhǐshì bù zhì kě fǒu, méiyǒu zhèngmiàn huídá.When the reporter pressed him for his opinion, he just hedged and didn't give a direct answer.
- 不置可否，。Lǎobǎn duì nàge tíyì bù zhì kě fǒu, dàjiā dōu bù qīngchu tā de tàidù.The boss was noncommittal about that proposal, and no one knew his stance.
- ，不置可否，。Miànduì péngyou de qǐngqiú, tā bù zhì kě fǒu, jì méi dāyìng yě méi jùjué.Faced with his friend's request, he declined to comment, neither agreeing nor refusing.
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