# 裹足不前

guǒ zú bù qián

Hold back and fail to advance

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Wrap the feet and go no further

**Register:** Concerned · formal

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

## When to use it

Describe hesitation that prevents action.

Reasonable caution is not always a fault.

## Understanding the expression

Wrapped feet cannot move freely, so the image gives hesitation a physical form. Modern speakers use the phrase when fear, uncertainty, or attachment to safety keeps someone from taking a needed step. It may concern a person, a team, or a larger institution. The tone often encourages movement, but the evidence matters. Waiting to check a real danger can be sensible rather than simply a failure of courage.

## Examples

怕失败使他裹足不前。

### Traditional Chinese

怕失敗使他裹足不前。

pà shī bài shǐ tā guǒ zú bù qián 。

Fear of failure keeps him from moving forward.

团队不能因小风险裹足不前。

### Traditional Chinese

團隊不能因小風險裹足不前。

tuán duì bù néng yīn xiǎo fēng xiǎn guǒ zú bù qián 。

The team should not stall over small risks.

她曾裹足不前，后来提交了申请。

### Traditional Chinese

她曾裹足不前，後來提交了申請。

tā céng guǒ zú bù qián ， hòu lái tí jiāo le shēn qǐng 。

She hesitated at first, then submitted the application.

资金不足让计划裹足不前。

### Traditional Chinese

資金不足讓計劃裹足不前。

zī jīn bù zú ràng jì huà guǒ zú bù qián 。

A lack of funds has stalled the plan.

## 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=%E8%A3%B9%E8%B6%B3%E4%B8%8D%E5%89%8D)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=141&webMd=1&la=0)

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