Meaning and Usage
The idiom 见利忘义 (jiànlì wàngyì) literally means "to see profit and forget righteousness." It describes a negative behavior where a person pursues personal gain at the expense of moral principles or loyalty. This phrase is often used to criticize unethical conduct, especially when someone betrays friends, principles, or social norms for financial or material benefits.
Common Contexts
见利忘义 is frequently used in discussions about business ethics, personal relationships, and social criticism. It highlights the conflict between material gain and moral integrity.
Typical Collocations
- 见利忘义的行为 (behavior that forgets righteousness for profit): used to condemn unethical actions.
- 见利忘义地背叛 (betrayal driven by profit): emphasizes betrayal motivated by selfish gain.
- 警惕见利忘义 (be wary of forgetting righteousness for profit): a cautionary phrase.
Usage Notes
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation and is typically used in formal or serious contexts. It warns against sacrificing ethical values for short-term benefits. Avoid using it lightly or humorously.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 见利忘义 with simply "being greedy" (贪心). 见利忘义 specifically involves neglecting moral duties or loyalty due to the lure of profit, not just desire for more wealth.
Meaning and Usage
The idiom 见利忘义 (jiànlì wàngyì) literally means "to see profit and forget righteousness." It describes a negative behavior where a person pursues personal gain at the expense of moral principles or loyalty. This phrase is often used to criticize unethical conduct, especially when someone betrays friends, principles, or social norms for financial or material benefits.
Common Contexts
见利忘义 is frequently used in discussions about business ethics, personal relationships, and social criticism. It highlights the conflict between material gain and moral integrity.
Typical Collocations
- 见利忘义的行为 (behavior that forgets righteousness for profit): used to condemn unethical actions.
- 见利忘义地背叛 (betrayal driven by profit): emphasizes betrayal motivated by selfish gain.
- 警惕见利忘义 (be wary of forgetting righteousness for profit): a cautionary phrase.
Usage Notes
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation and is typically used in formal or serious contexts. It warns against sacrificing ethical values for short-term benefits. Avoid using it lightly or humorously.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 见利忘义 with simply "being greedy" (贪心). 见利忘义 specifically involves neglecting moral duties or loyalty due to the lure of profit, not just desire for more wealth.
Meaning and Usage
The idiom 见利忘义 (jiànlì wàngyì) literally means "to see profit and forget righteousness." It describes a negative behavior where a person pursues personal gain at the expense of moral principles or loyalty. This phrase is often used to criticize unethical conduct, especially when someone betrays friends, principles, or social norms for financial or material benefits.
Common Contexts
见利忘义 is frequently used in discussions about business ethics, personal relationships, and social criticism. It highlights the conflict between material gain and moral integrity.
Typical Collocations
- 见利忘义的行为 (behavior that forgets righteousness for profit): used to condemn unethical actions.
- 见利忘义地背叛 (betrayal driven by profit): emphasizes betrayal motivated by selfish gain.
- 警惕见利忘义 (be wary of forgetting righteousness for profit): a cautionary phrase.
Usage Notes
This idiom carries a strong negative connotation and is typically used in formal or serious contexts. It warns against sacrificing ethical values for short-term benefits. Avoid using it lightly or humorously.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 见利忘义 with simply "being greedy" (贪心). 见利忘义 specifically involves neglecting moral duties or loyalty due to the lure of profit, not just desire for more wealth.