作壁上观 to watch from the wall
Explanation
比喻置身事外，冷眼旁观。
It is a metaphor for staying out of something and watching it coldly.
Origin Story
话说春秋战国时期，秦国攻打赵国，赵军节节败退，最后坚守巨鹿城，等待援军。各路诸侯军队按兵不动，纷纷选择作壁上观，唯独项羽率领楚军前来救援。项羽到达巨鹿后，并没有像其他诸侯一样选择观望，而是率领军队直接冲入战场，与秦军展开激烈的战斗。他以勇猛的作战方式，打败了秦军，解救了赵国。其他那些作壁上观诸侯见项羽如此勇猛，纷纷前来投靠，最终项羽成为抗秦的领军人物。这个故事告诉我们，遇到困难，不能袖手旁观，而应该积极参与，才能最终取得胜利。
During the Warring States period, the State of Qin attacked Zhao. The Zhao army retreated steadily, finally defending the city of Julu and waiting for reinforcements. Various vassal armies remained inactive, preferring to watch from the sidelines. Only Xiang Yu led the Chu army to the rescue. Upon arriving at Julu, Xiang Yu didn't wait and see like other vassals, instead leading his army directly into battle against the Qin army. His courageous fighting style defeated the Qin army and saved Zhao. Seeing Xiang Yu's bravery, other vassals who had stood by joined him, and Xiang Yu ultimately became the leader against Qin. This story teaches us that when faced with difficulties, we must not stand idly by but actively participate to achieve victory.
Usage
常用作谓语、定语；形容对事情漠不关心，置之不理。
Often used as a predicate or attributive; describes indifference and disregard for matters.
Examples
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面对公司的危机，他却作壁上观，置之不理。
miànduì gōngsī de wēijī, tā què zuò bì shàng guān, zhì zhī bùlǐ
He stood idly by when the company was in crisis.
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这场战争，许多国家都作壁上观，不愿卷入其中。
zhè chǎng zhànzhēng, xǔduō guójiā dōu zuò bì shàng guān, bù yuàn juǎnrù qízhōng
Many countries stood on the sidelines during the war, unwilling to get involved.
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学习上，我们不能作壁上观，要积极参与讨论。
xuéxí shàng, wǒmen bùnéng zuò bì shàng guān, yào jījí cānyǔ tǎolùn
In our studies, we cannot stand by; we must actively participate in discussions.