手下留情 Show mercy
Explanation
比喻做事不要太苛刻，对人宽容一些。
It means to be lenient and not too harsh in dealing with something or someone.
Origin Story
从前，在一个偏僻的小村庄里，住着一位德高望重的老人，他以仁慈和善良闻名。一天，村里来了个强盗，他抢劫了村民的财物，村民们非常愤怒，想要处死他。老人看到这一幕，走到强盗面前，说道："年轻人，你犯了错，但人非圣贤孰能无过？你年轻气盛，一时糊涂，我理解你的难处。今天，我愿意替你求情，请大家手下留情，给他一次改过自新的机会。"村民们被老人的仁慈所感动，最终决定饶过强盗，给他一个改过自新的机会。强盗被老人的宽容深深触动，从此洗心革面，成为了一个正直的人。
Once upon a time, in a remote village, lived a highly respected old man known for his kindness and compassion. One day, a robber came to the village and stole the villagers' belongings. The villagers were furious and wanted to execute him. The old man, seeing this, went to the robber and said, "Young man, you have made a mistake, but to err is human. You are young and impetuous, momentarily confused; I understand your plight. Today, I wish to intercede on your behalf. Please, everyone, show mercy, and give him a chance to reform." Moved by the old man's kindness, the villagers eventually decided to spare the robber and give him a chance to change his ways. The robber, deeply touched by the old man's compassion, changed his life for the better and became an honest man.
Usage
用于劝诫或请求对方宽容对待。
Used to persuade or request that the other party be tolerant.
Examples
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比赛中，他手下留情，让对手赢了。
bǐsài zhōng, tā shǒu xià liú qíng, ràng duìshǒu yíng le
In the competition, he showed mercy and let his opponent win.
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老师在批改作业时，对学生的错误手下留情，只做了简单的批注。
lǎoshī zài pīgǎi zuòyè shí, duì xuésheng de cuòwù shǒu xià liú qíng, zhǐ zuò le jiǎndān de pīzhù
The teacher was lenient when correcting homework, making only brief notes on the students' mistakes