The characters literally combine to mean “clear wisdom to protect oneself.” The phrase paints a picture of a person whose intelligence (明哲) is used for the primary purpose of self-preservation (保身).
Originating from the ancient Book of Odes (《诗经》), 明哲保身 was originally a term of praise for a wise official who could navigate treacherous court politics without compromising his integrity or losing his life. It was about being smart, not cowardly. However, over centuries, its meaning has shifted. In contemporary China, it is more often used with a sense of criticism or cynicism. It reflects a deep-seated cultural understanding that direct confrontation can be dangerous and that minding one's own business is often a necessary survival strategy. A Western comparison might be “discretion is the better part of valor,” but they are not the same. The English phrase suggests a tactical retreat, perhaps to fight another day. 明哲保身, in its modern usage, often implies a permanent disengagement from a moral or social problem purely for self-interest. It's closer to the cynical phrase “looking out for number one,” describing someone who prioritizes their own safety and comfort above collective responsibility or moral courage. This reflects a cultural tension between Confucian ideals of righteousness (义, yì) and the pragmatic realities of self-preservation in a complex society.
This idiom is common in both formal writing and everyday conversation. Its connotation is highly dependent on the context.
Overall, using this term is rarely a straightforward compliment today. It almost always carries a subtext of selfishness or cowardice, even when acknowledging the person's cleverness.