不进则退 No progress means regression
Explanation
不进则退的意思是不前进就会后退，比喻事情发展变化的规律，如果不努力进取，就会落后。
The idiom "bu jin ze tui" means that if one does not advance, they will retreat. It illustrates the law of development and change, signifying that without effort and progress, one will inevitably fall behind.
Origin Story
很久以前，在一个偏远的小山村里，住着一位名叫阿明的年轻人。他从小就勤奋好学，立志要通过自己的努力改变命运。然而，村里的人们大多安于现状，不思进取，他们认为只要维持现状就足够了。阿明对此很不认同，他深知“不进则退”的道理。他开始广泛阅读书籍，学习各种知识，并积极参与村里的各种活动，不断提升自己的能力。几年后，阿明凭借着自身的努力和才华，成功地走出大山，在城里找到了工作，过上了幸福的生活。而那些曾经安于现状的村民，却依然过着贫穷的生活，他们后悔没有像阿明一样，早点意识到“不进则退”的道理。
Long ago, in a remote mountain village, lived a young man named Amin. He had been diligent and studious since childhood, determined to change his fate through hard work. However, most villagers were content with the status quo, unwilling to strive for progress. They believed that maintaining the current situation was enough. Amin disagreed, deeply understanding the truth of "bu jin ze tui." He began to read widely, learn various skills, and actively participate in village activities, constantly improving himself. After several years, through his hard work and talent, Amin successfully left the mountains, found a job in the city, and lived a happy life. Those villagers who were once content with the status quo, however, remained impoverished, regretting not having realized the meaning of "bu jin ze tui" sooner.
Usage
这个成语常用来说明不努力就会落后，强调了不断进取的重要性。
This idiom is often used to illustrate that without effort, one will fall behind, emphasizing the importance of continuous progress.
Examples
-
逆水行舟，不进则退，学习就像这样，稍有松懈就会落后。
ni shuixingzhou, bujinze tui, xuexi jiu xiang zheyang, shao you songxie jiu hui luo hou
Those who stand still fall behind.
-
面对激烈的市场竞争，企业不进则退，只有不断创新才能保持领先地位。
mian dui jilie de shichang jingzheng, qiye bujinze tui, zhi you buduan chuangxin cai neng baochi lingxian didiwei
In a competitive market, companies must innovate constantly; otherwise they are doomed to fall behind.