如履薄冰
如履薄冰 (rú lǚ báo bīng) literally means “like walking on thin ice” and expresses “extreme caution in risky situations”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: ru lv bao bing, ru lv bao bing,如履薄冰 meaning, 如履薄冰 in english
Extreme caution in risky situations
Pronunciation: rú lǚ báo bīng Literal meaning: Like walking on thin ice
Origin & Usage
This cautious idiom describes moving as if (如) walking (履) on thin (薄) ice (冰), originating from the Book of Changes during the Zhou Dynasty. It appeared in discussions about how noble individuals should conduct themselves with constant awareness of potential danger despite appearing safe. The winter imagery created a vivid metaphor for situations requiring extreme caution where one misstep could prove disastrous. During the Han Dynasty, court advisors frequently used it to remind emperors about the precarious nature of power. Modern usage describes proceeding with extreme caution in hazardous situations, particularly contexts where apparent stability masks significant risk, teaching that vigilance often proves essential even when danger isn't immediately visible.
Examples
English: "The negotiation team proceeded cautiously through the delicate diplomatic situation"
Chinese: 谈判团队谨慎地处理这个微妙的外交局势
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 如履薄冰 mean in English?
如履薄冰 (rú lǚ báo bīng) literally translates to “Like walking on thin ice” and is used to express “Extreme caution in risky situations”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 如履薄冰 used?
Situation: The negotiation team proceeded cautiously through the delicate diplomatic situation
What is the pinyin for 如履薄冰?
The pinyin pronunciation for 如履薄冰 is “rú lǚ báo bīng”.
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