advance cautiously, consolidate at each step; be overcautious
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to advance cautiously and consolidate at every step; to be extremely prudent and well-defended
formalOriginally a military term, now used broadly to describe a methodical, careful, and defensive approach to any endeavor. Can imply a lack of boldness or speed.
Zhè这
jiā家
gōng公
sī司
zài在
xīn新
shì市
chǎng场
de的
fā发
zhǎn展
cè策
lüè略
shì是
bù步
bù步
wéi为
yíng营
，
bù不
jí急
yú于
qiú求
chéng成
。
This company's development strategy in the new market is to advance cautiously, not rushing for quick success.
Zhēn侦
tàn探
diào调
chá查
cǐ此
àn案
shí时
bù步
bù步
wéi为
yíng营
，
shēng生
pà怕
dǎ打
cǎo草
jīng惊
shé蛇
。
The detective investigated the case with extreme caution, afraid of alerting the suspect.
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Tán谈
pàn判
zhōng中
，
duì对
fāng方
dài代
biǎo表
bù步
bù步
wéi为
yíng营
，
hěn很
nán难
ràng让
tā他
men们
zuò做
chū出
ràng让
bù步
。
In the negotiations, the other party's representatives were very guarded, making it hard to get them to concede.
Tā他
de的
tóu投
zī资
fēng风
gé格
piān偏
xiàng向
bǎo保
shǒu守
，
xǐ喜
huān欢
bù步
bù步
wéi为
yíng营
，
wěn稳
zhā扎
wěn稳
dǎ打
。
His investment style leans conservative; he prefers to proceed cautiously and consolidate gains steadily.