以身试法

以身試法

yǐshēn-shìfǎ

idiom #36,289

Meanings

1 to knowingly break the law
2 to defy the law with one's own person
3 to test the law by committing a crime

Characters

one's own body; oneself

to test; to try

Examples

不要以身试法，否则后悔莫及。

Bùyào yǐshēn-shìfǎ, fǒuzé hòuhuǐmòjí.

Don't knowingly break the law, or you'll regret it when it's too late.

他明知这样做违法，却偏要以身试法。

Tā míngzhī zhèyàng zuò wéifǎ, què piān yào yǐshēn-shìfǎ.

He knew it was illegal, yet deliberately went ahead and broke the law.

劝君莫以身试法，免得牢狱之灾。

Quàn jūn mò yǐshēn-shìfǎ, miǎnde láoyù zhī zāi.

I urge you not to put yourself to the test of the law — or you may end up in prison.

Tips

history

From 《汉书·王尊传》: 明慎所职，毋以身试法 — an admonition to officials: 'Be clear-eyed and careful in your duties; do not put yourself to the test of the law.' Originally an official warning, now a general cautionary phrase.

usage

Always negative — frames the person as knowingly, willfully breaking the law. Common in news reports on corruption, drug use, fraud.

Stroke Order

以 yǐ

身 shēn

试 shì

法 fǎ