Definition
明哲保身 is a four-character idiom that literally means 'wisdom protects the body' — acting wisely to keep oneself safe. In modern use it usually carries a mildly negative tone: avoiding controversy or responsibility to protect one's own interests, even when action is needed. It's often used to criticize someone for being overly cautious or selfish in a group or workplace setting.
f.e.
to play it safeto avoid risk to protect oneself(often pejorative) to be overly cautious or self-protective
Examples
- ，明哲保身。Zài huìyì shàng tā cóng bù biǎotài, zǒng shì míng zhé bǎo shēn.He never takes a stand at meetings, always playing it safe.
- 明哲保身。Lǐngdǎo pīpíng le tā zhè zhǒng míng zhé bǎo shēn de tàidù.The leader criticized his attitude of self-protection.
- ，明哲保身，。Zài gōngsī lǐ, míng zhé bǎo shēn suīrán ānquán, dàn yě huì cuòshī jīhuì.In a company, playing it safe may be safe, but it also makes you miss opportunities.
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