Definition
网开一面 is a chengyu from a story about King Tang of Shang who, when hunting, opened three sides of the net to allow some animals to escape — showing mercy even in hunting. Today it means to deliberately leave someone a way out or to show leniency, especially in a situation where they could be punished harshly. Common in legal, disciplinary, or interpersonal contexts where strict justice is softened.
f.e.
to give a wrongdoer a way outto be lenient and not punish severely
Examples
- ，网开一面，。Zhè cì tā suīrán fàn le cuò, dàn lǐngdǎo háishì wǎng kāi yī miàn, zhǐ gěi le tā yí gè jǐnggào.Although he made a mistake this time, the boss still showed leniency and only gave him a warning.
- ，网开一面，。Fǎguān kǎolǜ dào tā shì chūfàn, juédìng wǎng kāi yī miàn, cóng qīng chǔfá.The judge considered he was a first-time offender and decided to be lenient, giving a lighter punishment.
- 网开一面，。Gōngsī duì zhǔdòng rèn cuò de yuángōng wǎngwǎng wǎng kāi yī miàn, jǐyǔ gǎiguò zìxīn de jīhuì.The company often shows leniency toward employees who admit their mistakes, giving them a chance to reform.
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