This saying describes a situation where the benefits obtained are outweighed by the costs or losses incurred. It warns against making decisions that seem profitable but ultimately result in a net loss.
Chinese pragmatism values careful calculation of costs and benefits. This idiom is often used in business, personal decisions, and even relationships to caution against short-sighted actions.
This saying encourages prudence and foresight. It signals that wisdom lies in evaluating the full picture of a decision, not just the immediate gain, and that avoiding loss is often more important than seeking gain.
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