讳疾忌医

Hiding one's illness rather than seeking treatment.

《韩非子》

"To conceal one's illness and avoid medical treatment" literally means hiding a disease and being unwilling to seek a cure. It comes from Han Feizi: Yu Lao, in which the famous physician Bian Que repeatedly reminded Duke Huan of Cai that he had a hidden illness, but the duke, because he tabooed the disease, refused treatment and in the end the illness became incurable. This idiom is used metaphorically to describe covering up one's shortcomings and mistakes and being unwilling to accept criticism and help. Its deeper meaning lies in the fact that people often avoid their own problems because of vanity, stubbornness, or fear, and as a result make the problems worse. It is mostly used to criticize those who refuse to listen to others' opinions and are unwilling to correct their shortcomings, and it carries a clearly derogatory tone. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the importance attached in traditional Chinese culture to "self-reflection" and "accepting remonstrance," emphasizing the importance of having the courage to face one's own deficiencies. In emotional coloring, it expresses a sense of regret and warning, reminding people to face problems squarely and correct them early, otherwise they will lead to more serious consequences.

1. He clearly knew there were loopholes in his management, yet he concealed the disease and avoided the doctor, refusing any suggestions for improvement, which ultimately led to the failure of the project. (A metaphor for covering up one's shortcomings and being unwilling to correct them.) 2. In the face of well-intentioned reminders from colleagues, she always concealed the disease and avoided the doctor, and as a result, minor mistakes accumulated into major problems. (A metaphor for being unwilling to accept criticism and avoiding one's own problems.)