zhì​shǔ​jì​qì

to hesitate for fear of collateral damage

Senses

掷鼠忌器/ 擲鼠忌器 zhì​shǔ​jì​qì (also zhí​shǔ​jì​qì) to hesitate for fear of collateral damage

To hold back from taking action against a wrongdoer (such as a corrupt official) for fear of harming an innocent party (such as the emperor) or damaging something valuable; to have scruples about an action because of its potential repercussions

References

same_as 掷鼠忌器/擲鼠忌器 投鼠忌器/投鼠忌器
variant 投鼠忌器/投鼠忌器 掷鼠忌器/擲鼠忌器