📖 Meaning
To cling to old ways and follow established conventions without change. It describes a conservative mindset that resists innovation and progress. The idiom carries a mildly negative connotation, implying stagnation caused by an unwillingness to adapt.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom traces back to the Book of Han (《汉书》), the official history of the Western Han dynasty compiled by Ban Gu in the Eastern Han dynasty. In the preface to the Biographies of Upright Officials (《循吏传序》), the text reads '光因循守职，无所改作' (Guang followed precedent in his office and made no changes), praising an official who maintained established practice. Over time, the phrase evolved from '因循守职' (follow precedent in office) to the modern form '因循守旧', shifting its focus from faithful administration to a general criticism of clinging to outdated ways and lacking the spirit of innovation.
💡 Example Usage
如果因循守旧不求进取，那么人就不会进步。
If one clings to old ways and does not strive for progress, then one will never improve.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 因循守旧
- Pinyin: yīn xún shǒu jiù
- Literal Translation: follow, abide, keep, old
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4