on3 tou4 saak3 kei3按圖索驥按图索骥
Jyutpingon3 tou4 saak3 kei3
Yaleon tòuh saak kei
Definition
To try and find something with the help of a clue or map; literally, to look for a fine horse using a picture.
writtenother
How it's used
This idiom is often used to criticize someone for being overly rigid or lacking imagination when following instructions. While it describes a methodical approach, it carries a negative nuance of being unable to adapt to real world situations that deviate from the plan. It is a formal idiom that is rarely used in casual daily chatter unless one is making a point about someone's inflexibility.
Examples
Don't just follow the instructions blindly, you need to be flexible.
Related words
Common phrases
blindly following clues without thinking
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a positive way to describe being detail oriented. In reality, it is almost always used to point out that someone is failing to use common sense because they are too focused on the literal clues provided.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
