# 畏首畏尾

wèi shǒu wèi wěi

Be afraid to act because of every concern

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Fear the head and fear the tail

**Register:** Admonishing · general

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

## When to use it

Criticize hesitation about every possible consequence.

Careful planning is different from paralyzing fear.

## Understanding the expression

Both the beginning and the ending seem difficult, leaving the person unsure where to start. The phrase describes hesitation that keeps multiplying possible worries. Modern use often urges someone to make a decision instead of withdrawing from every uncertainty. It can sound impatient toward a cautious person. The issue is whether excessive worry prevents a reasonable next step. Taking time to understand the consequences or ask for guidance is different from remaining indefinitely unable to begin.

## Examples

别畏首畏尾，先试一小步。

### Traditional Chinese

別畏首畏尾，先試一小步。

bié wèi shǒu wèi wěi ， xiān shì yì xiǎo bù 。

Do not let fear stop you; try one small step.

他畏首畏尾，迟迟不提交作品。

### Traditional Chinese

他畏首畏尾，遲遲不提交作品。

tā wèi shǒu wèi wěi ， chí chí bù tí jiāo zuò pǐn 。

His constant fears keep delaying submission.

有计划就不必畏首畏尾。

### Traditional Chinese

有計劃就不必畏首畏尾。

yǒu jì huà jiù bú bì wèi shǒu wèi wěi 。

With a plan, there is no need for paralyzing hesitation.

团队终于不再畏首畏尾。

### Traditional Chinese

團隊終於不再畏首畏尾。

tuán duì zhōng yú bú zài wèi shǒu wèi wěi 。

The team finally stopped hesitating over every risk.

## 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%95%8F%E9%A6%96%E7%95%8F%E5%B0%BE)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=186&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [未雨绸缪 wèi yǔ chóu móu Prepare before trouble arrives ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/wei-yu-chou-mou)

- [无济于事 wú jì yú shì Make no useful difference to the matter ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/wu-ji-yu-shi)

- [无可奈何 wú kě nài hé Have no workable way to change the situation ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/wu-ke-nai-he)

- [无所适从 wú suǒ shì cóng Not know which course or instruction to follow ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/wu-suo-shi-cong)

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