# 积重难返

jī zhòng nán fǎn

Find entrenched problems difficult to reverse

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Accumulated weight is hard to turn back

**Traditional Chinese:** 積重難返

**Register:** Somber · formal

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe long-standing harmful habits or institutional burdens.

Difficulty does not mean reform is impossible.

## Understanding the expression

Small problems accumulate until their combined weight makes reversal difficult. The expression describes entrenched habits, debts, or institutional practices that cannot be fixed with one easy adjustment. It often explains why delayed reform becomes costly. The emphasis is historical accumulation, not an isolated mistake. Although the phrase sounds pessimistic, it need not deny the possibility of change. Gradual intervention, clear priorities, and support can still reduce burdens that have become deeply established.

## Examples

长期拖欠让财务问题积重难返。

### Traditional Chinese

長期拖欠讓財務問題積重難返。

cháng qī tuō qiàn ràng cái wù wèn tí jī zhòng nán fǎn 。

Years of arrears entrenched the financial problem.

旧制度积重难返，需要分阶段改革。

### Traditional Chinese

舊制度積重難返，需要分階段改革。

jiù zhì dù jī zhòng nán fǎn ， xū yào fēn jiē duàn gǎi gé 。

The entrenched system needs staged reform.

坏习惯积重难返，也可以慢慢改变。

### Traditional Chinese

壞習慣積重難返，也可以慢慢改變。

huài xí guàn jī zhòng nán fǎn ， yě kě yǐ màn màn gǎi biàn 。

Deep habits are hard to reverse but can change gradually.

忽视维护会让问题积重难返。

### Traditional Chinese

忽視維護會讓問題積重難返。

hū shì wéi hù huì ràng wèn tí jī zhòng nán fǎn 。

Neglecting maintenance can make problems deeply entrenched.

## 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=%E7%A9%8D%E9%87%8D%E9%9B%A3%E8%BF%94)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=651&webMd=1&la=0)

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