迟疑不决 hesitate
Explanation
形容拿不定主意，犹豫不决。
Describes someone who cannot make up their mind and hesitates.
Origin Story
话说古代有个书生，名叫李寻，他家境贫寒，却勤奋好学，立志考取功名。一日，他收到两封信，一封是邻县一位好友的邀请信，邀请他去共同参与一项学术研讨会，这研讨会汇集了众多名家学者，对他的学业大有裨益；另一封是家中来信，告知他年迈的母亲病重，急需他回家照料。李寻读完信后陷入了迟疑不决的境地，一边是难得的学术盛会，一边是母亲的健康，他左右为难，无法抉择。他反复思量，权衡利弊，可是始终难以割舍两边。最后，他决定先去探望母亲，安慰母亲，再择日赶赴研讨会。在母亲身边的日子，他感到安心和快乐，也得到了母亲的理解和支持。几日后，他赶赴研讨会时，因时间关系，错过了部分研讨内容。虽然有些遗憾，但他明白自己当初的选择是正确的。
Once upon a time, there was a scholar named Li Xun who lived in ancient China. He came from a poor family but was diligent and studious, determined to pass the imperial examination. One day, he received two letters. One was from a friend in a neighboring county, inviting him to participate in an academic conference with many renowned scholars. The other was from his family, informing him that his aging mother was seriously ill and needed his care urgently. After reading the letters, Li Xun was caught in a dilemma. One was a rare academic event, the other was his mother's health. He hesitated, weighing the pros and cons, unable to decide. Finally, he decided to visit his mother first, to comfort her and then attend the conference later. While with his mother, he felt peace and joy, and she understood and supported him. A few days later, when he rushed to the conference, he missed some parts of the sessions due to the limited time. Although he had some regrets, he knew his initial choice was correct.
Usage
用于形容一个人在做决定时犹豫不决，拿不定主意。
Used to describe someone who is hesitant and unable to make a decision.
Examples
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面对选择，他迟疑不决，最终错失良机。
miànduì xuǎnzé, tā chíyí bùjué, zuìzhōng cuòshī liángjī
Faced with choices, he hesitated and eventually missed a good opportunity.
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她迟疑不决，犹豫了很久才做出决定。
tā chíyí bùjué, yóuyù le hěn jiǔ cái zuò chū juédìng
She hesitated and hesitated before making a decision