下した手てに出でる

expression, ichidan verb

behave modestly; act humble; take a humble attitude

Used when someone deliberately adopts a modest or deferential stance, often to avoid conflict or to show respect. The phrase implies a conscious choice to lower oneself.

See also: 下手 (したて)

• 彼かれはいつも下した手てに出でて、相あい手てを立たてる。

  He always behaves modestly and shows respect to others.

• 交こう渉しょうでは下した手てに出でたほうがうまくいくこともある。

  In negotiations, sometimes it works better to take a humble attitude.