# 按图索骥

àn tú suǒ jì

Search by following a description or guide

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Seek a fine horse using a picture

**Traditional Chinese:** 按圖索驥

**Register:** Descriptive · literary

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Describe finding something from clues or specifications.

Can criticize rigid reliance on an imperfect guide.

## Understanding the expression

A picture gives useful clues for finding a horse, yet may leave out details that matter in real life. Modern use has two common tones. It can neutrally describe searching with a map, list, or description, or criticize following such guidance too mechanically. Context decides whether the method is helpful. A guide works best when the searcher also compares it with what they actually find on the ground.

## Examples

我们按图索骥，找到了老店。

### Traditional Chinese

我們按圖索驥，找到了老店。

wǒ men àn tú suǒ jì ， zhǎo dào le lǎo diàn 。

We followed the map and found the old shop.

照着清单按图索骥，买齐材料。

### Traditional Chinese

照著清單按圖索驥，買齊材料。

zhào zhe qīng dān àn tú suǒ jì ， mǎi qí cái liào 。

Using the list, we found all the materials.

招聘不能只按图索骥看学历。

### Traditional Chinese

招聘不能只按圖索驥看學歷。

zhāo pìn bù néng zhī àn tú suǒ jì kàn xué lì 。

Hiring should not mechanically follow qualifications alone.

她凭照片按图索骥找到了零件。

### Traditional Chinese

她憑照片按圖索驥找到了零件。

tā píng zhào piàn àn tú suǒ jì zhǎo dào le líng jiàn 。

Using the photo as a guide, she found the part.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%8C%89%E5%9C%96%E7%B4%A2%E9%A9%A5)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=158&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [暴殄天物 bào tiǎn tiān wù Waste valuable resources recklessly ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bao-tian-tian-wu)

- [抱薪救火 bào xīn jiù huǒ Worsen a problem through the supposed remedy ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bao-xin-jiu-huo)

- [背道而驰 bèi dào ér chí Move in the opposite direction to a goal ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bei-dao-er-chi)

- [杯水车薪 bēi shuǐ chē xīn An effort far too small for the need ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/bei-shui-che-xin)

## Keep this one close.

Save useful idioms, read offline, and revisit them with flashcards in Almanac.

[View on the App Store ](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6819590452)

[Previous idiom 安如泰山 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/an-ru-tai-shan) [Next idiom 八拜之交 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ba-bai-zhi-jiao)