follow established precedents; stick to old conventions
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to follow the rules and regulations established by one's predecessor; to stick to the conventions set by the older generation
formalOriginating from the Han Dynasty when Chancellor Cao Can continued following all systems established by his predecessor Xiao He. Often carries a slightly negative connotation of rigid conservatism, though can be neutral.
Xīn新
lǐng领
dǎo导
shàng上
rèn任
hòu后
，
Xiāo萧
guī规
Cáo曹
suí随
，
méi没
yǒu有
jìn进
xíng行
dà大
de的
gǎi改
gé革
。
After taking office, the new leader followed established precedents and did not carry out major reforms.
Xiāo萧
guī规
Cáo曹
suí随
gù固
rán然
wěn稳
tuǒ妥
，
dàn但
yǒu有
shí时
yě也
xū需
yào要
chuàng创
xīn新
tū突
pò破
。
Following precedents is certainly safe, but sometimes innovation and breakthroughs are also needed.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Tā他
wéi为
rén人
bǎo保
shǒu守
，
zuò做
shì事
zǒng总
shì是
Xiāo萧
guī规
Cáo曹
suí随
，
bù不
gǎn敢
yuè越
léi雷
chí池
yī一
bù步
。
He is conservative by nature and always follows the beaten path, never daring to step out of line.