清规戒律 (qīng guī jiè lǜ) — rigid and excessive rules or restrictions (often used critically)
Definition
A set phrase (chengyu) for 'rigid, excessive rules or restrictions' — almost always used critically, to mock red tape that kills creativity. Its Buddhist origin ('pure precepts and disciplinary rules') is not how learners will meet it.
idiom
rigid and excessive rules or restrictions (often used critically)
Examples
- 清规戒律。Zhè xiē qīng guī jiè lǜ zǎo jiù gāi fèi chú le.These rigid rules should have been abolished long ago.
- 清规戒律，。Gōng sī lǐ qīng guī jiè lǜ tài duō, yuán gōng méi yǒu chuàng xīn kōng jiān.There are too many restrictive rules in the company; employees have no room for innovation.
- 清规戒律，。Tā shòu bù liǎo nà xiē qīng guī jiè lǜ, jué dìng cí zhí.He couldn't stand those rigid rules and decided to quit.
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