trim one's sails; change attitude opportunistically
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to change one's attitude or position according to the prevailing situation; to trim one's sails; opportunistic behavior
derogatoryUsed to criticize someone who lacks firm principles and easily changes立场 (stand/position) to suit their own advantage. Often implies opportunism and insincerity.
Tā他
shì是
gè个
shùn顺
fēng风
zhuǎn转
duò舵
de的
rén人
，
nǎ哪
biān边
dé得
shì势
jiù就
dǎo倒
xiàng向
nǎ哪
biān边
。
He is an opportunist who will switch sides to whoever is in power.
Zài在
guān关
jiàn键
shí时
kè刻
，
tā他
xuǎn选
zé择
le了
shùn顺
fēng风
zhuǎn转
duò舵
，
bèi背
pàn叛
le了
yuán原
lái来
de的
péng朋
you友
。
At the critical moment, he chose to trim his sails and betrayed his former friends.
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Zhè这
zhǒng种
shùn顺
fēng风
zhuǎn转
duò舵
de的
zuò做
fǎ法
ràng让
rén人
kàn看
bu不
qǐ起
。
This kind of opportunistic behavior is looked down upon.