委曲求全 compromise
Explanation
为了顾全大局或维持某种局面而被迫放弃个人的一些利益或原则。
To compromise one's own interests or principles for the sake of the overall situation or to maintain a certain situation.
Origin Story
话说东汉末年，天下大乱，群雄逐鹿。刘备为统一全国，四处征战，屡败屡战。一次，刘备率军攻打曹操，兵败被困在白门楼。危急关头，谋士诸葛亮献计，建议刘备向曹操求和，暂时委曲求全。刘备虽然心有不甘，但为了保存实力，避免全军覆没，最终还是接受了诸葛亮的建议，向曹操求和。虽然暂时忍辱负重，但刘备最终还是完成了统一大业。这个故事说明，在特定情况下，委曲求全有时是权宜之计，为了更大的目标，可以暂时忍耐，寻求更好的时机再图发展。
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the world was in chaos, and various warlords were vying for dominance. Liu Bei, in his pursuit of national unification, engaged in numerous battles, experiencing both victory and defeat. On one occasion, Liu Bei led his troops against Cao Cao but was defeated and trapped in Baimen Tower. At this critical juncture, his strategist Zhuge Liang proposed a plan—to seek peace with Cao Cao and temporarily compromise. Although Liu Bei was reluctant, he accepted Zhuge Liang's suggestion to preserve his strength and avoid complete annihilation. Despite the temporary humiliation, Liu Bei eventually succeeded in unifying the country. This story illustrates that in certain situations, compromise may be a strategic maneuver. For a greater goal, temporary forbearance may be necessary, waiting for a better opportunity to pursue further progress.
Usage
常用于形容在某种情况下，为了顾全大局，不得不放弃一些原则或利益。
Often used to describe a situation where one has to give up some principles or interests to protect the overall situation.
Examples
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为了大局着想，他不得不委曲求全。
wèile dàjú zhāoxiǎng, tā bùdébù wěiqǔqiúquán
He had to compromise for the sake of the overall situation.
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在谈判中，双方为了达成协议，都做出了委曲求全的让步。
zài tánpàn zhōng, shuāngfāng wèile dá chéng xiéyì, dōu zuò chūle wěiqǔqiúquán de ràngbù
In the negotiations, both sides made compromises to reach an agreement