隔岸观火 watch the fire from the other side
Explanation
比喻对别人的危难不去援助，在一旁观看。形容冷漠无情，置身事外。
To describe watching someone else's trouble from a distance without helping. It shows indifference and unwillingness to get involved.
Origin Story
战国时期，燕国和齐国交战，燕国大败，齐国乘胜追击，眼看就要攻破燕国的都城了。这时，赵国和楚国这两个强大的国家，都隔着黄河观望，谁也不肯出手相助，最终燕国不敌齐国，被攻破了城池。燕国灭亡后，赵国和楚国又开始为争夺燕国的土地而互相攻伐，两败俱伤。这个故事告诉我们，遇到朋友或国家有难，不能袖手旁观，要伸出援手，才能体现出真正的友谊和正义。否则，就会像赵国和楚国一样，最终损人害己。
During the Warring States period, Yan and Qi were at war. Yan was defeated, and Qi pursued its victory, poised to capture Yan's capital. At this time, Zhao and Chu, two powerful states, watched from across the Yellow River, unwilling to help. Ultimately, Yan fell to Qi. After Yan's demise, Zhao and Chu then fought over Yan's territory, both suffering losses. This story teaches us that when friends or nations are in need, we shouldn't stand idly by; we should lend a helping hand to demonstrate true friendship and justice. Otherwise, like Zhao and Chu, we will ultimately harm ourselves.
Usage
常用作谓语、宾语、定语；形容对别人的危难冷眼旁观，漠不关心。
Often used as predicate, object and attributive; describes indifference and apathy towards the difficulties of others.
Examples
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面对同事的困境，他却隔岸观火，置之不理。
miàn duì tóngshì de kùnjìng, tā què gé àn guān huǒ, zhì zhī bù lǐ
He stood idly by while his colleague struggled.
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战争爆发，邻国却隔岸观火，袖手旁观。
zhànzhēng bàofā, lín guó què gé àn guān huǒ, xiù shǒu páng guān
The neighboring country stood idly by as war broke out.
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看到朋友遇到困难，我不应该隔岸观火，而应该伸出援助之手。
kàn dào péngyǒu yù dào kùnnan, wǒ bù yīnggāi gé àn guān huǒ, ér yīnggāi shēn chū yuánzhù zhī shǒu
When a friend is in trouble, I shouldn't stand idly by but offer help