画地为牢 draw a circle on the ground as a jail
Explanation
比喻只许在指定的范围内活动，不得逾越。也比喻思想保守，墨守成规。
A metaphor for only being allowed to operate within a specified range and not exceeding it. It is also a metaphor for conservative thinking and rigid rules.
Origin Story
西汉时期，名将李陵在与匈奴的战争中兵败被俘，投降了匈奴。汉武帝大怒，认为李陵是叛国投敌。司马迁为李陵辩解，认为李陵并非有意投降，而是形势所迫。但汉武帝不听，将司马迁处以腐刑。身受酷刑的司马迁，从此被画地为牢，但他并没有因此而放弃自己的理想。他忍辱负重，发愤著书，最终完成了史诗巨著《史记》。司马迁的遭遇和精神，千百年来一直激励着无数人。他用自己的行动，诠释了“人定胜天”的伟大意义。他虽然被画地为牢，但他以自己的坚持和努力，写就了一部不朽的史书，成就了一段荡气回肠的传奇。
During the Western Han Dynasty, the famous general Li Ling was captured and surrendered to the Xiongnu after a disastrous battle. Emperor Wu of Han was furious and considered Li Ling a traitor. Sima Qian defended Li Ling, arguing that he had not surrendered intentionally but had been forced by circumstances. However, Emperor Wu refused to listen and had Sima Qian subjected to "the rotten punishment." After being subjected to this brutal punishment, Sima Qian found himself confined to a limited area. But he did not abandon his ideals. He endured humiliation and devoted himself to writing, and finally completed the epic masterpiece, the "Records of the Grand Historian." Sima Qian's experience and his spirit have inspired countless people for thousands of years. With his actions, he interpreted the great meaning of "Man Conquers Heaven." Although he was confined to a limited area, with his perseverance and hard work, he wrote an immortal book, achieving a moving and epic legend.
Usage
常用作谓语、宾语；比喻限制在一定的范围内活动。
Often used as predicate or object; a metaphor for limiting activities to a certain range.
Examples
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他被公司画地为牢，只能在自己的岗位上工作，不能跨部门合作。
tā bèi gōngsī huà dì wéi láo, zhǐ néng zài zìjǐ de gǎngwèi shàng gōngzuò, bù néng kuà bùmén hézuò
He was confined to a small area by the company and could only work in his own position, unable to collaborate across departments.
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他虽然才华横溢，但被老板画地为牢，无法施展抱负。
tā suīrán cáihuá héngyì, dàn bèi lǎobǎn huà dì wéi láo, wúfǎ shīzhǎn bàofù
Although he was talented, he was confined by the boss, unable to display his ambitions.
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这个规章制度就像画地为牢，限制了我们的创新空间。
zhège guīzhāng zhìdù jiù xiàng huà dì wéi láo, xiànzhì le wǒmen de chuàngxīn kōngjiān
This regulation is like a self-made prison wall, limiting our innovation space.