# 适可而止

shì kě ér zhǐ

Stop at an appropriate point

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Reach what is suitable and stop

**Traditional Chinese:** 適可而止

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Urge restraint before something goes too far.

The right stopping point depends on context.

## Understanding the expression

The expression places a boundary where an action has served its purpose but further continuation may cause harm. It can concern teasing, negotiation, drinking, or repeated criticism. The advice is not to do as little as possible, but to recognize a sensible limit. That limit differs with the situation and the people affected. Listening to a request to stop matters especially when one person’s enjoyment has already become another person’s discomfort.

## Examples

玩笑要适可而止。

### Traditional Chinese

玩笑要適可而止。

wán xiào yào shì kě ér zhǐ 。

Joking should stop before it goes too far.

她让争论适可而止，先吃饭。

### Traditional Chinese

她讓爭論適可而止，先吃飯。

tā ràng zhēng lùn shì kě ér zhǐ ， xiān chī fàn 。

She asked everyone to stop the argument and eat first.

运动要适可而止，别硬撑。

### Traditional Chinese

運動要適可而止，別硬撐。

yùn dòng yào shì kě ér zhǐ ， bié yìng chēng 。

Exercise should stay within sensible limits; do not force yourself onward.

对方已道歉，责备应适可而止。

### Traditional Chinese

對方已道歉，責備應適可而止。

duì fāng yǐ dào qiàn ， zé bèi yìng shì kě ér zhǐ 。

The other person has apologized, so the criticism should stop at a reasonable point.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E9%81%A9%E5%8F%AF%E8%80%8C%E6%AD%A2)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1023&webMd=1&la=0)

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