苟全性命 Barely save one's life
Explanation
苟且保全性命。形容在乱世中只求活命，不追求功名富贵。
To barely save one's life. Describes a situation in a chaotic time where one only fights for survival and gives up on fame and fortune.
Origin Story
三国时期，战乱频繁，百姓流离失所。一位饱读诗书的书生，面对战乱，放弃了追求功名利禄的念头，一心只想苟全性命。他隐居山林，潜心研究学问，虽然生活清苦，却远离了战乱的纷争，保全了自己的性命，最终安享晚年。他的故事，被后人传颂，成为人们在乱世中求生存的典范。
During the Three Kingdoms period, wars were frequent and the people were displaced. A scholar who had read widely, in the face of war, gave up the idea of pursuing fame and fortune, and only wanted to save his life. He lived in seclusion in the mountains, devoting himself to his studies. Although his life was poor, he stayed away from the conflicts of war, preserving his life, and finally enjoyed his old age. His story was passed down by later generations and became an example for people to survive in troubled times.
Usage
用于形容在动荡不安的时期，只求保全性命，不追求功名利禄。
Used to describe focusing on survival and giving up on fame and fortune in turbulent times.
Examples
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乱世之中，他只想苟全性命，不问功名利禄。
luànshì zhī zhōng, tā zhǐ xiǎng gǒu quán xìng mìng, bù wèn gōngmíng lìlù.
In the midst of chaos, he only wanted to save his life, regardless of fame and fortune.
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百姓流离失所，只求苟全性命。
bǎixìng liúlí shìsuǒ, zhǐ qiú gǒu quán xìng mìng
The people were displaced and only sought survival.