can bend or unbend -- can take temporary setbacks able to bow and rise at will able to stoop or stand erect adaptable to circumstances
Well is it know that ambition can creep as well as soar.
众所周知,胸有大志者方能屈能伸。
—— 给力词典精选He was stoical, serious, austere , a melancholy dreamer, humble and haughty, like fanatics.
他是坚决 、 严肃 、 铁面无私的, 他是沉郁的梦想者, 他能屈能伸, 有如盲从的信徒。
—— 给力词典精选