📖 Meaning
To entirely follow established old rules and regulations. It describes acting strictly according to long-standing conventions without deviation. Closely synonymous with the idiom 率由旧章.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Book of Three Kingdoms' (三国志), in the biography of the princes of Rencheng, Chen, and Xiao in the Wei section. The text states that once the myriad states have been civilized, all shall follow the old established rules. It reflects a political philosophy of governance that values continuity with precedent and inherited institutions rather than innovation.
💡 Example Usage
新君即位后，一切政令皆率由旧则，未作轻易更改。
After the new ruler ascended the throne, all decrees strictly followed the old established rules without hasty alteration.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 率由旧则
- Pinyin: shuài yóu jiù zé
- Literal Translation: shuaì, follow, yóu, from, jiù, old, zé, rules
- Category: Method
- Characters: 4