裹足不前 hesitate
Explanation
比喻畏缩不前，犹豫徘徊，不敢前进。
It means to hesitate, to waver, and not dare to move forward.
Origin Story
战国时期，魏国大臣须贾的门客范雎，因受权臣诬陷而逃到秦国。他深知秦国内部矛盾重重，为了秦国的未来，他决定冒死面见秦昭王。范雎向秦昭王陈述了秦国面临的危机和机遇，并分析了当时的政治局势，指出如果秦国不及时改革，就会错失良机，甚至导致国家灭亡。他的分析头头是道，秦昭王深受触动。然而，范雎也知道，他的建议可能会招致权臣的反对和报复，但他还是义无反顾地提出了自己的建议。范雎的举动，也给那些想要帮助秦国，却因害怕权臣而裹足不前的人们，带来了希望和勇气。他的胆识和魄力，最终促使秦国走向强盛。
During the Warring States period, Fan Ju, a follower of the Wei minister Xu Jia, fled to Qin after being framed by powerful officials. He knew that Qin was plagued by internal conflicts, and for the future of Qin, he decided to risk his life to meet King Zhao of Qin. Fan Ju explained to King Zhao the crises and opportunities facing Qin, and analyzed the then political situation, pointing out that if Qin did not reform in time, it would miss opportunities and even lead to the demise of the country. His analysis was convincing, and King Zhao was deeply moved. However, Fan Ju also knew that his suggestions might invite opposition and retaliation from powerful officials, but he still put forward his suggestions regardless of the consequences. Fan Ju's actions also brought hope and courage to those who wanted to help Qin but hesitated because of fear of powerful officials. His courage and determination ultimately led to Qin's rise.
Usage
形容因害怕或犹豫而不敢前进。常用于批评那些因胆怯、保守而不敢尝试新事物、新方法的人。
It describes the inability to move forward because of fear or hesitation. It is often used to criticize those who do not dare to try new things or new methods due to timidity or conservatism.
Examples
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面对困难，我们不能裹足不前，而应该勇往直前。
miàn duì kùnnán, wǒmen bùnéng guǒ zú bù qián, ér yīnggāi yǒng wǎng zhí qián
In the face of difficulties, we should not hesitate but move forward bravely.
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改革开放初期，一些人由于思想保守，裹足不前，错失了良机。
gǎigé kāifàng chūqī, yīxiē rén yóuyú sīxiǎng bǎoshǒu, guǒ zú bù qián, cuòshī le liángjī
In the early days of reform and opening up, some people lagged behind due to conservative ideas and missed good opportunities.