按圖索驥
Chinese edit
to press (with the hand); to push; to control to press (with the hand); to push; to control; to restrain; to check; pressing down (brush movement in painting); according to; in the light of |
diagram; to plan; picture diagram; to plan; picture; drawing; chart |
to search; to demand; to ask to search; to demand; to ask; to exact; large rope; isolated |
thoroughbred horse; refined and virtuous | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
trad. (按圖索驥) | 按 | 圖 | 索 | 驥 | |
simp. (按图索骥) | 按 | 图 | 索 | 骥 | |
Literally: “to look for a fine horse using only a picture”. |
Pronunciation edit
Idiom edit
按圖索驥
- (figurative, derogatory) to do things along rigid, conventional lines
- (figurative) to try and find something with the help of a clue