📖 Meaning
Wanting to stop but being unable to do so. It describes a situation where one is caught up in something so deeply that stopping is no longer an option, even if one wishes to quit. Often used for pursuits, habits, or tasks that have become irresistibly compelling.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Analects (《论语·子罕》), where Confucius's disciple Yan Hui praises his teacher's guidance. Yan Hui says that Confucius guided him step by step with kindness, enriched him with culture, and restrained him with propriety, to the point that even if he wanted to stop learning, he could not. The phrase reflects the irresistible attraction of Confucius's teaching that kept disciples devoted. It dates back to the Spring and Autumn period (approx. 5th century BCE).
💡 Example Usage
这部小说情节太精彩了，让人看得欲罢不能。
The plot of this novel is so gripping that once you start reading, you simply cannot put it down.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 欲罢不能
- Pinyin: yù bà bù néng
- Literal Translation: desire, stop, not, able
- Category: Perseverance
- Characters: 4