To be independent originally means to cultivate body and mind and maintain personal integrity. The latter refers to the individualistic philosophy of doing things only for oneself, regardless of others. From Mencius - Dedication.
The original meaning of being wise and prudent indicates that people who are reasonable are good at self-protection and have commendatory meanings. Now it refers to the vulgar style of avoiding principle struggle in order to preserve personal interests, which has a derogatory meaning. From Shi Da Ya Yi Min.
Idioms:
Idioms are stereotyped words in Chinese vocabulary. Idioms are said by everyone. They are formed in words, so they are idioms. Idioms are mostly four characters, but also three characters, five characters or more than seven characters. Idioms are a major feature of Chinese traditional culture. They have a fixed structure and a fixed statement, express a certain meaning, and are used as a whole in sentences, bearing the subject, object, attribute and other elements.
A large part of idioms are inherited from ancient times. They represent a story or an allusion. Some idioms are actually tiny sentences. Idioms are ready-made words, similar to idioms and proverbs, but also slightly different. Idioms are a bright pearl in Chinese culture.