固步自封 (gù bù zì fēng) — to be stuck in one's ways; to be complacent and resistant to change

Definition

A formal chengyu meaning to be stuck in one's old ways and refuse to change. Often used to criticize organizations or people who are self-satisfied and closed to new ideas.

verb
to be stuck in one's waysto be complacent and resistant to change

Examples

  • 固步自封
    Wǒ men bù néng gù bù zì fēng, yào bú duàn xué xí xīn zhī shi.
    We cannot be complacent and resist change; we must keep learning new knowledge.
  • 固步自封
    Zhè jiā gōng sī yīn wèi gù bù zì fēng ér shī qù le shì chǎng.
    This company lost its market because it was stuck in its own ways.
  • 固步自封
    Tā rú guǒ jì xù gù bù zì fēng, jiù hěn nán jìn bù.
    If he continues to be complacent, it will be hard for him to make progress.

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