📖 Meaning
Not doing things to excess. It most often describes reproaching or punishing others only to a reasonable degree, knowing when to stop rather than going too far. The phrase conveys moderation and restraint in dealing with people.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from 'Mencius: Li Lou II' (《孟子·离娄下》) of the Warring States period, where Mencius says of Confucius, 'Confucius was not one who did things to excess' (仲尼不为已甚者). Mencius praised Confucius for his measured conduct, never pushing matters to an extreme. The saying later became a general expression for practicing moderation, especially in criticism and punishment. It reflects the Confucian ideal of the golden mean.
💡 Example Usage
老先生为人宽厚，凡事不为已甚，从不与人计较。
The old gentleman was kind and broad-minded; he never pushed anything too far and never held grudges against others.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 不为已甚
- Pinyin: bù wéi yǐ shèn
- Literal Translation: not, do, already, excessive
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4