投鼠忌器
tóu​shǔ​jì​qì

exercise restraint

  • created sense approved 投鼠忌器 · tóu​shǔ​jì​qì · exercise restraint

    投鼠忌器

    tóu​shǔ​jì​qì

    exercise restraint

    To refrain from taking action against a wrongdoer or an evil for fear of harming innocent people or damaging something valuable.

    绑匪手中有人质，警方投鼠忌器，不敢贸然进攻。

    idiom

    created sense