当断不断 When one should decide but doesn't
Explanation
指应该决断的时候却犹豫不决，不能及时做出决定。
It refers to hesitation and inability to make timely decisions when decisive action is required.
Origin Story
话说春秋时期，有个小国叫鄫国，国君昏庸无能，大臣们也大多软弱无能。有一次，强大的齐国来犯，鄫国国君吓得不知所措。大臣们七嘴八舌，争论不休，有的主张抵抗，有的主张投降，最终优柔寡断，错失良机，鄫国被齐国灭亡。这个故事正是“当断不断，反受其乱”的写照，告诫人们遇到事情要果断决策，否则只会带来更大的祸患。
During the Spring and Autumn Period, there was a small state named Keng, whose ruler was incompetent and most of his ministers were weak as well. One day, the powerful Qi State attacked, and the ruler was distraught. His ministers debated endlessly, some suggesting resistance, others advocating surrender. Their indecisiveness led to the loss of a crucial opportunity, resulting in the destruction of Keng. This story is a perfect example of "dang duan bu duan, fan shou qi luan", which cautions against hesitation when decisive action is needed; otherwise, greater calamities will ensue.
Usage
主要用于批评别人在该做决定时犹豫不决，从而导致不好的结果。
Primarily used to criticize someone for their indecisiveness when a decision needs to be made, resulting in negative consequences.
Examples
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他优柔寡断，当断不断，结果错失了良机。
ta you rou gua duan, dang duan bu duan, jieguo cuo shi le liang ji.mian dui tu fa shi jian, dang duan bu duan, zhi hui rang qing kuang geng jia zao gao
His indecisiveness led to missed opportunities because he didn't act decisively when he should have.
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面对突发事件，当断不断，只会让情况更加糟糕
Failure to make timely decisions in emergencies only worsens the situation.