noun
wisdom and self-protection; wise self-preservation
A yojijukugo describing the ability to use one's wisdom to protect oneself from danger or trouble. Often carries a nuance of prudently avoiding unnecessary risks.
彼は明哲保身の精神で、危ない橋は渡らない。
With a spirit of wise self-preservation, he doesn't take unnecessary risks.
明哲保身も時には必要だ。
Sometimes wise self-protection is necessary.
保身 means self-protection or self-preservation, often with a slightly negative nuance of selfishness. 明哲保身 adds the element of wisdom, making it a more positive or neutral concept.
A yojijukugo derived from classical Chinese, combining 明哲 (wisdom, sagacity) and 保身 (self-protection). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it reflects a traditional Confucian idea of using wisdom to navigate the world safely.