投鼠忌器的英文：
[Literal Meaning]
throw/rat/afraid/vase
to throw something at a rat, but afraid to break the vase

[解释]
做事有顾忌，不敢放手干。

[Explanation]
caution in taking action

[例子]
一些记者投鼠忌器，担心会遭到报复不敢报道这个丑闻。

[Example]
Some journalists were cautious in taking action and dared not to report the scandal for fear of being revenged.

[英文等价词]
hold back from taking action against sb. for fear of injuring others

Burn not your house to rid it of the mouse
投鼠忌器