抱残守缺 cling to the old
Explanation
抱着残缺陈旧的东西不放。形容思想保守，不求改进。
To cling to old and incomplete things. It describes a conservative way of thinking without striving for improvement.
Origin Story
西汉时期，著名学者刘向的儿子刘歆，官至骑都尉、奉车都尉。他曾建议汉哀帝设立专门机构研究《左传》，遭到一些同僚的强烈反对。刘歆批评他们抱残守缺，墨守成规，最终因为得罪权贵，被排挤出京城，只得前往河内郡做太守。这个故事体现了刘歆的改革精神和在当时保守环境下的无奈。虽然他最终未能成功推行自己的主张，但他坚持创新，勇于挑战传统的精神值得我们学习。刘歆的遭遇也警示我们，在任何时代，创新都可能面临阻碍，但我们不能因此而放弃追求进步的脚步。我们需要不断学习新的知识，吸收新的思想，以适应时代的发展变化。
During the Western Han Dynasty, Liu Xin, the son of the famous scholar Liu Xiang, held the position of Qi Duwei and Fengche Duwei. He proposed to the Emperor Ai of Han that a special agency be established to study the Zuozhuan, but this was met with strong opposition from some of his colleagues. Liu Xin criticized them for clinging to outdated methods and ultimately, due to offending powerful figures, he was ostracized from the capital and had to go to Henan County as a prefect. This story reflects Liu Xin's reformist spirit and his helplessness in a conservative environment at the time. Although he ultimately failed to successfully promote his proposals, his persistence in innovation and his courage to challenge traditions are worthy of our emulation. Liu Xin's experience also warns us that innovation in any era may face obstacles, but we should not give up the pursuit of progress because of this. We need to continuously learn new knowledge and absorb new ideas to adapt to the changes of the times.
Usage
形容思想保守，不求改进。多用于批评或讽刺。
Describes a conservative way of thinking without striving for improvement. Often used in criticism or sarcasm.
Examples
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他总是抱残守缺，不愿尝试新的方法。
tā zǒngshì bào cán shǒu quē, bù yuàn chángshì xīn de fāngfǎ
He always clings to old ways and is unwilling to try new methods.
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这家公司抱残守缺，最终被市场淘汰。
zhè jiā gōngsī bào cán shǒu quē, zuìzhōng bèi shìchǎng táotài
This company clings to outdated methods and was ultimately eliminated by the market.
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不要抱残守缺，要勇于创新。
bù yào bào cán shǒu quē, yào yǒng yú chuàngxīn
Don't stick to outdated methods; be brave and innovative.