寸步难行
寸步难行 (cùn bù nán xíng) literally means “inch step difficult to walk” and expresses “unable to move forward at all”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: cun bu nan xing, cun bu nan xing,寸步难行 meaning, 寸步难行 in english
Unable to move forward at all
Pronunciation: cùn bù nán xíng Literal meaning: Inch step difficult to walk
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes being unable to walk (难行) even an inch (寸步). The smallest unit of progress - a single step - becomes impossible. The phrase appeared in texts describing extreme difficulties or insurmountable obstacles. It captures the frustration of complete immobilization. Modern usage describes situations where progress is blocked entirely, whether by bureaucratic obstacles, resource constraints, or opposition that makes even minimal advancement impossible.
Examples
English: "Without proper documentation, progress was impossible."
Chinese: 没有适当的文件，工作寸步难行。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
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yī bō sān zhé
Many twists and turns
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改邪归正
gǎi xié guī zhèng
Return to righteousness
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好逸恶劳
hào yì wù láo
Love ease, hate work
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物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Extremes lead to reversal
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塞翁失马
sài wēng shī mǎ
Misfortune might be a blessing
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近水楼台
jìn shuǐ lóu tái
Advantage from close connections
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夜郎自大
yè láng zì dà
Overestimate oneself
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因果报应
yīn guǒ bào yìng
Actions have consequences
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 寸步难行 mean in English?
寸步难行 (cùn bù nán xíng) literally translates to “Inch step difficult to walk” and is used to express “Unable to move forward at all”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 寸步难行 used?
Situation: Without proper documentation, progress was impossible.
What is the pinyin for 寸步难行?
The pinyin pronunciation for 寸步难行 is “cùn bù nán xíng”.