This means to deliberately ignore minor faults or mistakes, especially to maintain harmony or avoid conflict. It's a pragmatic choice to not be overly strict or critical.
In Chinese social life, perfect tolerance is often more valued than perfect enforcement of rules. This saying is commonly used in family, workplace, and even legal contexts where minor infractions are overlooked for the greater good.
It embodies the principle of 'harmony above all' (以和为贵). By choosing when to be lenient, people preserve relationships and avoid unnecessary friction, showing that wisdom sometimes means knowing what not to see.
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