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To show no concern or action toward a situation or person that requires attention, often due to apathy or detachment.
当同事遇到困难时，他总是漠然置之。
When colleagues face difficulties, he always remains indifferent.
政府对环境污染问题漠然置之，引发民愤。
The government remained indifferent to environmental pollution issues, sparking public outrage.
Often implies a lack of empathy or responsibility, and is commonly used in social or political contexts.
Use '漠然置之' when describing a deliberate or habitual lack of action, not accidental neglect. It implies a choice to ignore rather than mere oversight.
This idiom is strong and should be reserved for situations where indifference is morally or socially criticized. Avoid using it for minor instances of inattention.
The idiom combines '漠然' (mò rán, meaning 'indifferent' or 'cold') and '置之' (zhì zhī, meaning 'to place or set aside'). Together, they describe the act of ignoring or disregarding something with a detached attitude.
This idiom is typically used to criticize a lack of action or concern, especially in situations where intervention is expected. It carries a negative connotation.