委曲求全 (wēi) — to make compromises for the sake of overall harmony; to stoop to compromise in order to achieve a goal

Definition

A chengyu meaning to swallow one's grievances and compromise in order to preserve the bigger picture. Carries a tone of reluctant self-sacrifice, not just any compromise.

idiom
to make compromises for the sake of overall harmonyto stoop to compromise in order to achieve a goal

Examples

  • 委曲求全
    Wèi le gōng sī de cháng yuǎn fā zhǎn, tā bù dé bù wēi.
    For the long-term development of the company, he had to make compromises.
  • 委曲求全
    Zài tán pàn zhōng, shuāng fāng dōu xū yào wēi cái néng dá chéng xié yì.
    In negotiations, both sides need to make compromises to reach an agreement.
  • 委曲求全
    Tā xìng gé gāng zhí, bú yuàn yì wēi.
    He has a straightforward personality and is unwilling to stoop to compromise.

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