This saying advises against publicly humiliating or criticizing someone, even when they are wrong. It emphasizes the importance of preserving another person's dignity in social interactions, as damaging someone's face can create lasting enmity.
In Chinese culture, public embarrassment is considered a severe social violation. This saying is a fundamental rule of etiquette, often taught to children and practiced in workplaces to maintain harmony.
This saying functions as a social brake, reminding people that winning an argument or proving a point is not worth destroying a relationship. It signals that the speaker is socially savvy and prioritizes long-term harmony over short-term correctness.
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