Deliberately ignoring something or pretending not to know, often to avoid trouble, responsibility, or awkwardness. It is a strategy of feigned ignorance.
This saying is common in Chinese social and political life, where sometimes it is wiser to appear unaware of sensitive matters to maintain harmony or avoid conflict.
Chinese culture values harmony and indirectness. This saying reflects the pragmatic use of ignorance as a social shield — by pretending not to see or hear, one can avoid confrontation, save face for others, or stay out of trouble.
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