步人后尘 follow in the footsteps of others
Explanation
后尘：走路或行车时后面扬起的尘土。指跟在人家后面走。比喻追随模仿，学人家的样子，没有创造性。
After dust: The dust raised behind when walking or driving. It means following behind others. Metaphorically, it refers to following and imitating others, lacking creativity.
Origin Story
话说唐朝有个书生叫李白，他从小就对诗歌充满热情，尤其仰慕诗仙李太白。他苦读诗歌，模仿李白的风格，写下了许多诗篇。但他始终未能超越李白，只能步人后尘，成为众多模仿者中的一员。后来，李白去世后，他意识到，与其步人后尘，不如开创自己的风格，最终他写出了很多具有自己独特风格的诗歌，名扬天下。
In the Tang Dynasty, there was a scholar named Li Bai who, from a young age, was passionate about poetry and especially admired the great poet Li Taibo. He diligently studied poetry, imitating Li Bai's style, and wrote many poems. However, he was never able to surpass Li Bai, only following in his footsteps and becoming one among many imitators. Later, after Li Bai's death, he realized that instead of following in his footsteps, he should create his own unique style, which ultimately he did, writing many poems with his unique style that brought him fame and recognition.
Usage
用于形容缺乏创新，墨守成规的行为。
Used to describe behavior lacking innovation and sticking to the rules.
Examples
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他总是步人后尘，缺乏创新精神。
tā zǒngshì bù rén hòu chén, quēfá chuàngxīn jīngshen
He always follows in the footsteps of others, lacking innovative spirit.
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在科技发展方面，我们不能步人后尘，而应该开拓创新。
zài kē jì fāzhǎn fāngmiàn, wǒmen bùnéng bù rén hòu chén, ér yīnggāi kāituò chuàngxīn
In the field of technological development, we cannot follow in the footsteps of others but should innovate and explore new paths。