📖 Meaning
To look behind and peer ahead before acting. It describes someone who deliberates thoroughly and cautiously, weighing all possible consequences before making a decision. The phrase can carry either a positive sense of prudence or a negative sense of excessive hesitation.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Ming dynasty novel "Investiture of the Gods" (封神演义), Chapter 53. In a vivid description of fierce battle, the text warns that when fighters clash with weapons, those who hesitate—looking back and forth in confusion—will lose their focus and leave themselves defenseless. The passage uses the image of glancing backward and forward to illustrate how wavering indecision in a critical moment can cost one's life. Over time the expression broadened to mean careful deliberation before taking action.
💡 Example Usage
这件事关系重大，你必须顾后瞻前，想清楚再行动。
This matter is of great importance; you must weigh it carefully from every angle before taking action.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 顾后瞻前
- Pinyin: gù hòu zhān qián
- Literal Translation: look back, gaze forward
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4