明めい哲てつ保ほ身しん

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.

• 彼かれは明めい哲てつ保ほ身しんの精せい神しんで、危あぶない橋はしは渡わたらない。

  With a spirit of wise self-preservation, he doesn't take unnecessary risks.

• 明めい哲てつ保ほ身しんも時ときには必ひつ要ようだ。

  Sometimes wise self-protection is necessary.