模棱两可 — “To be ambiguous, equivocal, or noncommittal”
模棱两可 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be ambiguous, equivocal, or noncommittal”. To take an evasive or ambivalent stand.
Frequency
模棱两可 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- 模mó
- 棱léng
- 两liǎng
- 可kě
模棱两可 Character Breakdown
Example Sentence with 模棱两可
他对这个问题总是模棱两可，从不给出明确的答复。
He always gives ambiguous answers to this question, never providing a clear reply.
Origin and Story of 模棱两可
During the Tang Dynasty, Prime Minister Su Weidao was renowned for his extremely evasive and ambiguous approach to matters. He never openly expressed his opinions, believing that this prevented him from offending anyone.
He once remarked about his method, 'One should not be too explicit when making decisions; errors lead to regret. It is better to be ambiguous, allowing for two possibilities.'
People consequently nicknamed him 'Su Moleng' (Ambigous Su). Later, after committing an error, he was demoted to Meizhou in Sichuan.
Idioms Related to 模棱两可
Antonyms of 模棱两可
More idioms starting with 模
Questions about 模棱两可
- What does 模棱两可 mean?
- 模棱两可 (mó léng liǎng kě) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be ambiguous, equivocal, or noncommittal”.
- How do you pronounce 模棱两可?
- 模棱两可 is pronounced mó léng liǎng kě in Mandarin Chinese.
- Where does 模棱两可 come from?
- 模棱两可 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
- What is the Chinese definition of 模棱两可?
- 模棱：含糊，不明确；两可：可以这样，也可以那样。指不表示明确的态度，或没有明确的主张。