# 束之高阁

shù zhī gāo gé

Set something aside and ignore it

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Tie it up on a high shelf

**Traditional Chinese:** 束之高閣

**Register:** Critical · formal

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

## When to use it

Criticize neglecting a useful proposal or rule.

Can describe postponement rather than permanent rejection.

## Understanding the expression

A bundle placed high on a shelf remains intact but is no longer within easy reach. The expression describes material that is kept yet not used. Modern speakers often apply it to reports, advice, plans, or rules that receive formal acknowledgment and then no action. It can also mean putting a matter aside. The criticism usually concerns the gap between possessing something useful and actually allowing it to guide practice.

## Examples

报告提交后被束之高阁。

### Traditional Chinese

報告提交後被束之高閣。

bào gào tí jiāo hòu bèi shù zhī gāo gé 。

The report was shelved after submission.

别把安全建议束之高阁。

### Traditional Chinese

別把安全建議束之高閣。

bié bǎ ān quán jiàn yì shù zhī gāo gé 。

Do not ignore the safety recommendations.

新方案暂时束之高阁。

### Traditional Chinese

新方案暫時束之高閣。

xīn fāng àn zàn shí shù zhī gāo gé 。

The new plan has been put aside for now.

她不愿研究成果被束之高阁。

### Traditional Chinese

她不願研究成果被束之高閣。

tā bú yuàn yán jiū chéng guǒ bèi shù zhī gāo gé 。

She does not want the research findings left unused.

## 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%9D%9F%E4%B9%8B%E9%AB%98%E9%96%A3)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=193&webMd=1&la=0)

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