Definition
按部就班 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'according to sections, follow the order'. It describes doing things by following established procedures step by step, often with a slightly negative connotation of being too rigid, conventional, or lacking creativity. You can use it to describe a methodical but uninspired approach to work or study.
f.e.
to follow established proceduresto do things step by step (often implying a lack of creativity or flexibility)
Examples
- 按部就班，。Tā zuòshì zǒng shì àn bù jiù bān, cóng bú huì chuàngxīn.He always does things by the book and never innovates.
- 按部就班，。Xuéxí bù néng zhǐ àn bù jiù bān, hái yào duō sīkǎo.Studying can't just follow procedures mechanically; you also need to think more.
- 按部就班，。Zhè jiā gōngsī guǎnlǐ àn bù jiù bān, xiàolǜ hěn dī.This company manages by rote procedures, so efficiency is very low.
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