gwo2 zuk1 bat1 cin4裹足不前

Jyutpinggwo2 zuk1 bat1 cin4

Yalegwó jūk bāt chìhn

動詞

Definition

To hesitate to proceed or take the next step; to be reluctant to move forward.

writtendescriptionsother

How it's used

This idiom carries a formal and slightly literary tone, often used in professional or serious contexts to describe someone stuck in a state of indecision. While it originates from the practice of foot binding, it is now used metaphorically for any situation where fear or uncertainty prevents progress. It is more descriptive and evocative than simply saying 猶豫.

Examples

min6面deoi3對ni1呢go3個naan4難gwaan1關，nei5你m4唔hou2好gwo2裹zuk1足bat1不cin4前aa4呀。

Facing this difficulty, don't just hesitate and stop moving forward.

keoi5佢jan1因wai6為geng1驚sat1失baai6敗，so2所ji5以jat1一zik6直gwo2裹zuk1足bat1不cin4前。

Because he is afraid of failure, he has been hesitating to take the next step.

Common phrases

jan1因hung2恐geoi6懼ji4而gwo2裹zuk1足bat1不cin4前

hesitate to move forward due to fear

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of walking difficulties, but it is strictly a metaphorical expression for mental or strategic hesitation. It is not used to describe physical injuries or actual walking problems.