zim1 cin4 gu3 hau6瞻前顧後瞻前顾后

Jyutpingzim1 cin4 gu3 hau6

Yalejīm chìhn gu hauh

動詞

Definition

To do things rigorously, considering all aspects and consequences before taking action.

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How it's used

This idiom carries a nuance of being overly cautious to the point of indecision or hesitation. While it implies being thorough, it is frequently used to criticize someone for lacking the courage to act decisively. It is more common in formal or written contexts, though it is understood and used in speech when describing someone's personality or work style.

Examples

nei5你zou6做je5嘢m4唔hou2好gam3咁zim1瞻cin4前gu3顧hau6後laa1啦，faai3快di1啲kyut3決ding6定。

Don't be so hesitant, just make a decision quickly.

keoi5佢zou6做saang1生ji3意jat1一hoeng3向zim1瞻cin4前gu3顧hau6後，hou2好siu2少wui2會mou6冒him2險。

He is always very cautious in business and rarely takes risks.

Common phrases

zou6做si6事zim1瞻cin4前gu3顧hau6後

to be hesitant and over-cautious in one's actions

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a purely positive trait of being diligent or careful. In reality, it is almost always used to describe a negative tendency to overthink and stall progress.