Definition
避重就轻 is a four-character idiom that literally means 'avoid the heavy and take the light'. Figuratively, it describes someone who sidesteps the important or difficult part of an issue and instead focuses on trivial matters, or who takes the easiest way out. It often carries a mildly negative connotation, implying evasion of responsibility or avoidance of a real problem. Use it when you want to criticize someone's approach as deliberately avoiding the core issue.
f.e.
to dodge the main issue and dwell on minor pointsto take the easy way out
Examples
- 避重就轻，。Tā zài huìyì shàng bì zhòng jiù qīng, zhǐ tán le xiē wúguān jǐnyào de xiǎoshì.He dodged the main issues at the meeting, only talking about trivial matters.
- 避重就轻，。Nǐ huídá wèntí zǒngshì bì zhòng jiù qīng, gēnběn bù gǎn miànduì zhēnzhèng de kùnnán.You always sidestep the real issue when answering questions, not daring to face the true difficulties.
- 避重就轻，。Zuò xuéwèn bù néng bì zhòng jiù qīng, yào yǒngyú zuānyán nàxiē zuì nán de wèntí.When doing research, you can't just take the easy way out—you must be brave enough to tackle the hardest problems.
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