conceal faults and praise virtues; cover up defects and highlight strengths
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to conceal others' faults and praise their virtues; to hide the bad and highlight the good
formalA traditional Confucian ethical principle advocating tolerance and generosity in interpersonal relations. Represents an ancient Chinese attitude toward dealing with people that emphasizes focusing on others' strengths while being discreet about their weaknesses. Often implies a magnanimous and forgiving character.
We should learn to conceal faults and praise virtues, looking more at others' strengths.
The ancients advocated concealing the bad and highlighting the good; this is a tolerant attitude toward life.
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He is kind and honest, always concealing others' faults and praising their virtues, never speaking ill of people behind their backs.
In team management, concealing faults and praising virtues can often stimulate employees' enthusiasm.