míng明wisezhé哲prudentbǎo保protectshēn身self
To look after one's own safety by avoiding involvement in contentious issues; to play it safe.
Literal meaning
wise (明) — prudent (哲) — protect (保) — self (身)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase advising caution and self-preservation, especially in dangerous or turbulent times.
Examples
zài在nà那zhǒng种qíng情kuàng况xià下，tā他xuǎn选zé择le了míng明zhé哲bǎo保shēn身。
In that situation, he chose to play it safe.
yǒu有xiē些rén人rèn认wéi为míng明zhé哲bǎo保shēn身shì是yī一zhǒng种nuò懦ruò弱de的xíng行wéi为。
Some people think that playing it safe is a cowardly act.
Usage & nuances
Often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of courage or willingness to take risks.
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