# 萧规曹随

xiāo guī cáo suí

Continue a predecessor's policies

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Cao follows Xiao's rules

**Traditional Chinese:** 蕭規曹隨

**Register:** Evaluative · literary

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

## When to use it

Describe keeping established methods after taking over.

Can praise stability or criticize lack of initiative.

## Understanding the expression

The expression uses two named figures to show one leader following the arrangements of another. Its modern application is succession: a new person retains the earlier rules instead of making sweeping changes. This can be wise when a system works well, or limiting when conditions have changed. The phrase itself needs context to indicate approval. Following precedent is not automatically either good management or a failure of imagination.

## Examples

新主任萧规曹随，保留旧制度。

### Traditional Chinese

新主任蕭規曹隨，保留舊制度。

xīn zhǔ rèn xiāo guī cáo suí ， bǎo liú jiù zhì dù 。

The new director retained the predecessor's system.

这次交接采取萧规曹随的做法。

### Traditional Chinese

這次交接採取蕭規曹隨的做法。

zhè cì jiāo jiē cǎi qǔ xiāo guī cáo suí de zuò fǎ 。

This handover keeps the previous policies.

他萧规曹随，没提出新办法。

### Traditional Chinese

他蕭規曹隨，沒提出新辦法。

tā xiāo guī cáo suí ， méi tí chū xīn bàn fǎ 。

He followed his predecessor and offered no new approach.

政策有效，暂时萧规曹随也合理。

### Traditional Chinese

政策有效，暫時蕭規曹隨也合理。

zhèng cè yǒu xiào ， zàn shí xiāo guī cáo suí yě hé lǐ 。

With effective policies, continuing them is reasonable for now.

## 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%95%AD%E8%A6%8F%E6%9B%B9%E9%9A%A8)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=84&webMd=1&la=0)

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