画地为牢

การออกเสียง: huà dì wéi láo ความหมายตามตัวอักษร: Drawing ground as prison

ต้นกำเนิดและการใช้งาน

This idiom originates from 'Records of the Grand Historian' (史记), describing ancient punishment where criminals were confined to a circle drawn on the ground, honoring the boundary as if it were prison walls. The story illustrates how social trust and honor could substitute for physical restraints. The phrase has evolved to describe self-imposed limitations, where people restrict themselves within imaginary boundaries. Modern usage warns against creating unnecessary mental barriers that limit one's potential and opportunities.

ตัวอย่าง

ภาษาอังกฤษ: "Don't limit yourself by drawing boundaries that don't exist."

ภาษาจีน: 不要画地为牢，限制自己的发展。