敬而远之

• Pinyin: jìng ér yuǎn zhī
• Hanzi breakdown: 敬 = to respect; 而 = and yet (classical conjunction); 远 = 辶(move) + 袁 (phonetic) — far; 之 = it (classical pronoun)

Meaning

To keep a respectful distance; to stay away while feigning respect.

An idiom describing the attitude of showing outward respect toward someone or something while deliberately keeping one's distance — often because they are feared, disliked, or considered troublesome. The 'respect' in the phrase is polite avoidance rather than genuine admiration. Used ironically or straightforwardly depending on context.

Examples

1. 他平时脾气暴躁、难以相处，同事们大多对他敬而远之。 He is hot-tempered and difficult to get along with, so most colleagues keep a respectful distance from him.
2. 这种投机性极强的理财产品，理性的投资者往往选择敬而远之。 Rational investors tend to steer clear of highly speculative financial products.
3. 对那些喜欢搬弄是非的人，最好的策略就是敬而远之，不要给他们机会。 The best strategy with people who love to gossip and stir up trouble is to keep your distance and not give them any opening.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, social strategy, investment

Tone: wry or matter-of-fact

Do Say

• 对那种满嘴大道理的人，我一般选择敬而远之。(For people who are always lecturing, I generally choose to keep a respectful distance.)
• 这项技术风险太高，行业内的大公司都对它敬而远之。(This technology carries too much risk — major companies in the industry all keep a careful distance from it.)

Don't Say

• 我对他敬而远之，因为他太优秀了。(敬而远之 implies avoidance due to discomfort or risk, not admiration — don't use it to describe admiring someone too much to approach)

Origin & History

From the Analects of Confucius. Confucius said of 'ghosts and spirits': 敬鬼神而远之 — 'respect ghosts and spirits, but keep your distance.' The phrase evolved into a general idiom for respectful avoidance.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical (Confucian)

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal