Definition
This four-character idiom literally means 'to rub the edges allowing both possibilities.' It describes a deliberately vague or ambiguous statement or attitude, where a person avoids taking a clear position. It is often used in formal or evaluative contexts, such as criticizing a politician's evasive answer or a report that lacks a clear conclusion.
f.e.
equivocalambiguousnot taking a clear stand
Examples
- 模棱两可，。Tā de huídá hěn mó léng liǎng kě, ràng rén bù zhīdào tā dàodǐ zhīchí shuí.His answer was very equivocal, making people not know who he actually supports.
- 模棱两可，。Lǎobǎn de tàidù mó léng liǎng kě, bù kěn míngquè biǎoshì shìfǒu tóngyì.The boss's attitude was ambiguous; he wouldn't clearly state whether he agreed.
- ，模棱两可，。Zài huìyì shàng, tā de fāyán mó léng liǎng kě, méiyǒu gěi chū jùtǐ fāng'àn.At the meeting, his speech was equivocal; he didn't put forward a concrete plan.
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