draw back wisely in face of overwhelming odds; make a quick retreat before a crisis;resolutely retire at the height of one’s official career
❍ 尊大人精神正旺，何以就这般～了？(《儒林外史》102) Your father is still in his prime,why should he be so eager to retire?
急流勇退
resolutely retire at the height of one's career; extricate oneself in good time from a difficult situation
急流勇退jí liú yǒnɡ tuì
在急流中果断地退回来。比喻在官场得志时，及早果断地引退。resolutely retire at the height of one’s official career, make a quick retreat before a crisis, leave off while the play is good