Definition
循规蹈矩 is a chengyu (four-character idiom) that describes someone who strictly follows rules and routines. It often carries a slightly negative connotation of being overly rigid, lacking creativity, or being too conservative in behavior—more than just 'following the rules', it suggests an unwillingness to deviate from established patterns.
f.e.
to strictly follow rules and conventionsto toe the linerigidly conformist
Examples
- ，循规蹈矩，。Zài gōngzuò zhōng, tā zǒngshì xún guī dǎo jǔ, cóng bú chuàngxīn.At work, he always follows the rules and never innovates.
- 循规蹈矩，。Zhège lǎoshī bù xǐhuan xún guī dǎo jǔ de xuéshēng, gèng xǐhuan yǒu xiǎngfǎ de xuéshēng.This teacher doesn't like students who just follow the rules; she prefers students with ideas.
- 循规蹈矩，。Shēnghuó rúguǒ tài xún guī dǎo jǔ, jiù huì shīqù hěnduō lèqù.If life is too rigidly rule-bound, you'll lose a lot of fun.
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