举棋不定
举棋不定 (jǔ qí bù dìng) literally means “lift chess piece undecided” and expresses “indecisive hesitation”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: ju qi bu ding, ju qi bu ding,举棋不定 meaning, 举棋不定 in english
Indecisive hesitation
Pronunciation: jǔ qí bù dìng Literal meaning: Lift chess piece undecided
Origin & Usage
The idiom 举棋不定 (jǔ qí bù dìng) originates from the ancient Chinese text 《左传》 (Zuo Zhuan), a historical chronicle from the Spring and Autumn period. The story involves the ruler of the state of Wei, Wei Xian Gong, who was overthrown due to his tyrannical rule. After being exiled, he sought to reclaim his throne with the help of Ning Daozi, who was initially hesitant. This hesitation is likened to a chess player holding a piece but unsure of the next move. The idiom breaks down into 举 (jǔ, lift), 棋 (qí, chess piece), 不 (bù, not), and 定 (dìng, decide). In modern usage, it describes someone who is indecisive or hesitant in making a decision, often to their detriment.
Examples
English: "He was so unsure about his next step in the project that he kept hesitating, unable to make a decision."
Chinese: 他对项目的下一步举棋不定，始终无法做出决定。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
一波三折
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 举棋不定 mean in English?
举棋不定 (jǔ qí bù dìng) literally translates to “Lift chess piece undecided” and is used to express “Indecisive hesitation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 举棋不定 used?
Situation: He was so unsure about his next step in the project that he kept hesitating, unable to make a decision.
What is the pinyin for 举棋不定?
The pinyin pronunciation for 举棋不定 is “jǔ qí bù dìng”.
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