脚踏实地 down-to-earth
Explanation
比喻做事踏实、认真，不空想，不投机取巧。
To describe someone who is hardworking, reliable, and realistic.
Origin Story
司马光勤奋好学，在编撰《资治通鉴》时，他查阅了大量的史料，仔细考证，一丝不苟，最终完成了这部巨著。他这种脚踏实地的精神，值得我们学习。宋英宗时期，司马光负责主编《资治通鉴》，他研究很多历史书籍，广泛地收集材料，按照年代的先后顺序认真编排，终于完成294卷《资治通鉴》，后来因反对王安石变法来到洛阳定居，洛阳的邵雍评价他是一个脚踏实地的人。
Sima Guang was diligent and studious. When compiling the "Zizhi Tongjian", he consulted a large number of historical materials, carefully examined them, and meticulously compiled them, eventually completing this monumental work. His down-to-earth spirit is worth learning from.
Usage
形容人做事认真踏实，不浮夸，不投机取巧。常用于褒义。
Describes someone who works carefully and conscientiously, without exaggerating or taking shortcuts.
Examples
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他做事脚踏实地，从不投机取巧。
tā zuòshì jiǎotàshídì, cóng bù tóujī qǔqiǎo
He is down-to-earth and never takes shortcuts.
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我们要脚踏实地，一步一个脚印地往前走。
wǒmen yào jiǎotàshídì, yībù yīgè jiǎoyìn de wǎng qián zǒu
We must be down-to-earth and move forward step by step.
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学习要脚踏实地，不能好高骛远。
xuéxí yào jiǎotàshídì, bù néng hǎogāo wùyuǎn
Learning should be down-to-earth, not aim too high.