如法炮制 (rú fǎ páo zhì) — to follow a set pattern; to do something exactly as someone else did before

Definition

A 成语 meaning 'to follow a set recipe / do exactly as before' — copying a known method instead of innovating. Often carries a mildly negative nuance, implying uncreative imitation.

idiom
to follow a set patternto do something exactly as someone else did before

Examples

  • 如法炮制
    Xīn lái de jīng lǐ rú fǎ páo zhì, wán quán zhào bān qián rèn de guǎn lǐ fāng shì.
    The new manager followed the same pattern and completely copied the predecessor's management style.
  • 如法炮制
    Tā men rú fǎ páo zhì, bǎ qù nián chéng gōng de yíng xiāo fāng àn yòu yòng le yí cì.
    They followed the set pattern and used last year's successful marketing plan again.
  • 如法炮制
    Xiě lùn wén shí bù néng zǒng shì rú fǎ páo zhì, yào yǒu zì jǐ de chuàng xīn diǎn.
    When writing a thesis, you can't always follow a set pattern; you need to have your own innovative points.

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