谨言慎行 (jǐn yán shèn háng) — to be discreet in word and deed; to be cautious in speech and action
Definition
A formal chengyu meaning to be very careful with both words and actions — a stronger, more literary way to say 'watch what you say and do.' Used in writing or admonishment, not casual speech.
idiom
to be discreet in word and deedto be cautious in speech and action
Examples
- 谨言慎行，。Tā shì yí gè jǐn yán shèn háng de rén, cóng bù shuō cuò huà.He is a person who is cautious in word and deed, and never says the wrong thing.
- ，谨言慎行，。Zài gōng zuò zhōng, wǒ men yīng gāi jǐn yán shèn háng, bì miǎn rě má fan.At work, we should be discreet to avoid trouble.
- 谨言慎行。Fù mǔ cháng cháng jiào yù hái zi yào jǐn yán shèn háng.Parents often teach their children to be cautious in words and actions.
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