📖 Meaning
This idiom describes being caught between advancing and retreating, feeling hesitant and unable to reach a decision. It conveys the state of being torn between two courses of action while plagued by doubt and indecision, much like the cautious suspicion associated with a fox.
📜 Origin Story
No single classical text is credited as the definitive source of this idiom. It combines two established concepts: '进退' meaning to advance or retreat, and '狐疑' meaning fox-like suspicion or doubt. The term '狐疑' derives from the ancient Chinese belief that foxes are naturally cautious and suspicious creatures that constantly second-guess their every move. Together the compound emerged in literary tradition to depict someone who hesitates at a crossroads, unable to commit to either direction.
💡 Example Usage
面对两份工作邀请，他进退狐疑，迟迟做不了决定。
Faced with two job offers, he hesitated between advancing and retreating, unable to reach a decision for a long time.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 进退狐疑
- Pinyin: jìn tuì hú yí
- Literal Translation: advance, retreat, fox, doubt
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4