Definition
This chengyu means 'to stop at the right point and not go too far'. It's used as a suggestion or reminder to keep things moderate — in work, pleasure, eating, or any activity where excess could cause problems. It often appears in the pattern '要适可而止' ('you should know when to stop').
f.e.
to stop at the right pointto not overdo it
Examples
- 适可而止，。Hē jiǔ yào shì kě ér zhǐ, hē duō le shāng shēntǐ.Drinking should be done in moderation; drinking too much harms the body.
- ，适可而止。Yóuxì suīrán hǎowán, dàn yě yào shì kě ér zhǐ.Though games are fun, you also need to know when to stop.
- 适可而止，。Pīpíng biérén shí yīnggāi shì kě ér zhǐ, bú yào tài guòfèn.When criticizing others, you should stop at the right point and not go too far.
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