如临深渊 As if at the edge of an abyss
Explanation
比喻谨慎小心，戒备森严。
It means to be cautious, vigilant, and alert.
Origin Story
汉朝时期，一位名叫马廖的官员，他的儿子马豫因功高被皇帝赏识，官位日渐升高。马廖深知伴君如伴虎，高官厚禄的背后，往往隐藏着巨大的危险。他告诫儿子，要时刻保持谨慎，对待工作和生活，都要如临深渊，如履薄冰，不能因为一时的得意忘形而忘记了潜在的危机。马廖的告诫，使得马豫时刻保持警惕，稳扎稳打，最终成就一番事业。而他的告诫也成为后世人们奉为圭臬的处世哲理。
During the Han Dynasty, there was an official named Ma Liao. His son, Ma Yu, was highly regarded by the Emperor for his achievements and his position gradually rose. Ma Liao knew that being close to the Emperor was like being close to a tiger, and that behind high office and great wealth, there were often great dangers. He warned his son to always be cautious, to treat his work and life with the care one might display when at the edge of an abyss or on thin ice, so that he would not forget the potential crises due to momentary elation. Ma Liao's warning kept Ma Yu always on alert, proceeding steadily and steadily, finally achieving a great career. His warning also became a life philosophy that people followed in later generations.
Usage
用来形容做事谨慎小心。
Used to describe being cautious and careful when doing things.
Examples
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他做事总是如临深渊，非常谨慎。
tā zuòshì zǒngshì rú lín shēn yuān, fēicháng jǐn shèn.
He always acts cautiously, like walking on thin ice.
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面对巨大的挑战，我们必须如临深渊，小心谨慎。
miàn duì jùdà de tiǎozhàn, wǒmen bìxū rú lín shēn yuān, xiǎoxīn jǐn shèn
In the face of enormous challenges, we must be extremely cautious, as if we were at the edge of an abyss.