循规蹈矩 (xún guī dǎo jǔ) — to strictly follow rules and conventions; to toe the line; rigidly conformist
Definition
A formal idiom meaning to slavishly follow every rule and convention, usually with a negative tone (rigid, uncreative). The examples show it contrasted with boldness, initiative, or originality.
idiom
to strictly follow rules and conventionsto toe the linerigidly conformist
Examples
- ，循规蹈矩，。Zài gōng zuò zhōng, tā zǒng shì xún guī dǎo jǔ, cóng bú chuàng xīn.At work, he always follows the rules and never innovates.
- 循规蹈矩，。Zhè ge lǎo shī bù xǐ huan xún guī dǎo jǔ de xué shēng, gèng xǐ huan yǒu xiǎng fǎ de xué shēng.This teacher doesn't like students who just follow the rules; she prefers students with ideas.
- 循规蹈矩，。Shēng huó rú guǒ tài xún guī dǎo jǔ, jiù huì shī qù hěn duō lè qù.If life is too rigidly rule-bound, you'll lose a lot of fun.
Appears in
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