不拘一格 Unconventional
Explanation
不拘泥于一种模式或方法；不限于一种规格或格局。形容思想不受约束，富有创造性。
Not confined to one pattern or method; not limited to one specification or pattern. Describes free thinking and a creative mindset.
Origin Story
话说清朝末年，国势衰微，人才凋零。龚自珍目睹朝廷腐败，痛心疾首，他认为国家要振兴，必须广纳贤才，打破旧的选拔制度的束缚。于是，他写下了著名的诗句“我劝天公重抖擞，不拘一格降人才”。这句诗表达了他渴望国家选拔人才时，不应拘泥于传统的条条框框，而要破格提拔有真才实学的人才的愿望。他希望能够涌现出更多有才能的人，来拯救这风雨飘摇的国家。这首诗也成为了后世人们激励自己打破常规，勇于创新，敢于尝试的座右铭。
It is said that towards the end of the Qing Dynasty, the country was weak and talents were scarce. Gong Zizhen, witnessing the corruption of the court, was deeply distressed. He believed that for the country to revive, it must recruit many talented people and break free from the constraints of the old selection system. Therefore, he wrote the famous lines: "I urge the Heavenly Lord to shake again, and bestow talents without adhering to a single pattern." These lines express his wish that in selecting talents, traditional rules should not be adhered to, but talented individuals should be promoted regardless of old standards. He hoped that more talented people would emerge to save the country from ruin. This poem became a motto for later generations, encouraging them to break conventions, dare to innovate, and try new paths.
Usage
用于形容人不墨守成规，富有创造力，思想不受约束。
Used to describe people who are unconventional, creative, and not limited by their thoughts.
Examples
-
他做事不拘一格，常常有出人意料的创新。
tā zuòshì bù jū yī gé, chángcháng yǒu chū rén yìliào de chuàngxīn.
He works unconventionally and always brings forth unexpected innovations.
-
这场比赛不拘一格，各种风格的选手都有。
zhè chǎng bǐsài bù jū yī gé, gè zhǒng fēnggé de xuǎnshǒu dōu yǒu.
This competition is very diverse, with participants of all possible styles.