网开一面

網開一面

wǎngkāiyīmiàn

idiom #25,579

Meanings

1 to let someone off the hook
2 to show leniency
3 to leave one side of the net open (to give the prey a way out)

Characters

Examples

请对这个年轻人网开一面，给他一次改过的机会。

Qǐng duì zhège niánqīng rén wǎngkāiyīmiàn, gěi tā yī cì gǎiguò de jīhuì.

Please be lenient with this young man and give him a chance to mend his ways.

法官决定网开一面，给了他缓刑。

Fǎguān juédìng wǎngkāiyīmiàn, gěi le tā huǎnxíng.

The judge decided to show leniency and gave him a suspended sentence.

Tips

history

This idiom comes from an ancient story about King Tang of Shang, who saw hunters setting nets on all four sides to trap animals. He ordered them to open three sides, leaving only one, saying he would only catch those truly destined to be caught — an act of benevolence.

Stroke Order

网 wǎng

开 kāi

一 yī

面 miàn