Chinese idiom · 成语
明哲保身
Meaning
To preserve oneself through prudent judgment; often, to avoid taking a stand for the sake of one's own safety.
Character by character
Origin and story
Literary sourceIn the Book of Songs (诗经), the Greater Odes poem Zheng Min (烝民) praises Zhong Shanfu's service to the king. He understands the realm's condition, carries out royal commands, and works diligently day and night. Within that praise, the poem describes him as discerning and wise, able to preserve himself.
The original setting does not make self-preservation an excuse to abandon public responsibilities: wisdom and service belong together. Later usage can shift the emphasis. 明哲保身 may still mean prudent avoidance of danger, but it often criticizes people who protect their interests by refusing to take a stand. The surrounding sentence determines whether the expression is approving or disapproving.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
发现数据有误却为了明哲保身而不说，最后只会让团队承担更大的损失。
Staying silent about incorrect data to protect yourself will only leave the team with a bigger loss.
Often critical today of avoiding responsibility for personal safety; originally approving.