敬而远之 jìng’éryuǎnzhī to show respect from a distance (idiom)
to show respect from a distance (idiom); to remain at a respectful distance
How to remember 敬而远之: 敬 to respect + 而 and yet + 远 far + 之 of = to show respect from a distance (idiom).
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How it is used
- Idiom: to keep at a respectful distance - i.e. to steer clear of someone/something while staying polite.
- The nuance is avoidance dressed as respect: 对他敬而远之 (duì tā jìng'éryuǎnzhī) give him a wide berth. Often about people you find difficult.