脚踏两船
脚踏两船 (jiǎo tà liǎng chuán) literally means “one foot in two boats” and expresses “indecision, double-dealing”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: jiao ta liang chuan, jiao ta liang chuan,脚踏两船 meaning, 脚踏两船 in english
Indecision, double-dealing
Pronunciation: jiǎo tà liǎng chuán Literal meaning: One foot in two boats
Origin & Usage
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 脚踏两船 (jiǎo tà liǎng chuán) literally translates to 'one foot in two boats.' This vivid imagery paints a picture of someone attempting to stand with a foot in each of two boats, a precarious position that risks falling into the water. The characters break down as follows: 脚 (jiǎo) means 'foot,' 踏 (tà) means 'step on,' 两 (liǎng) means 'two,' and 船 (chuán) means 'boat.' In modern usage, this idiom describes a situation where someone is trying to maintain two conflicting interests or relationships simultaneously, often leading to instability or failure. It serves as a cautionary metaphor about the dangers of indecision and the importance of commitment to a single path.
Examples
English: "He is trying to maintain relationships with both sides, which is causing confusion."
Chinese: 他脚踏两船，导致了许多误会。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 脚踏两船 mean in English?
脚踏两船 (jiǎo tà liǎng chuán) literally translates to “One foot in two boats” and is used to express “Indecision, double-dealing”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 脚踏两船 used?
Situation: He is trying to maintain relationships with both sides, which is causing confusion.
What is the pinyin for 脚踏两船?
The pinyin pronunciation for 脚踏两船 is “jiǎo tà liǎng chuán”.