安于故俗，溺于旧闻 — “To be content with old customs and immersed in outdated knowledge”
安于故俗，溺于旧闻 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be content with old customs and immersed in outdated knowledge”. To cling to old habits and be confined by conventional wisdom, unwilling to adapt or embrace change. Literally, “Content with old customs and immersed in outdated knowledge”.
安于故俗，溺于旧闻 Pronunciation and Pinyin
安于故俗，溺于旧闻 Character Breakdown
Example Sentence with 安于故俗，溺于旧闻
Origin and Story of 安于故俗，溺于旧闻
During the Warring States period, Duke Xiao of Qin intended to implement reforms proposed by Shang Yang. These reforms aimed to elevate the status of farmers and soldiers. However, they met with strong opposition from ministers Gan Long and Du Zhi.
Shang Yang vehemently argued against their conservative views, stating that Gan Long's arguments were merely conventional opinions. He criticized them for being '安于故俗，溺于旧闻' (content with old customs and immersed in outdated knowledge), implying they were stuck in old ways and only capable of adhering to existing laws.
Shang Yang emphasized that only through implementing new laws could the state become prosperous and powerful, enabling Qin to dominate among the various warring states.
Idioms Related to 安于故俗，溺于旧闻
Synonyms of 安于故俗，溺于旧闻
Antonyms of 安于故俗，溺于旧闻
More idioms starting with 安
- ān安bù不wàng忘wēi危In peace, do not forget danger
- ān安zhī之ruò若mìng命accept one's lot with equanimity
- ān安zhī之ruò若sù素accept adversity calmly as normal
- ān安lè乐wō窝a cozy haven
- ān安yú于yì一yú隅content with one's limited circumstances
- ān安yú于suǒ所xí习content with familiar routines
- ān安yú于xiàn现zhuàng状content with the status quo
- ān安yú于pán盘shí石stable as a huge rock
- ān安yú于pán磐shí石Secure as a massive rock
- ān安fèn份shǒu守jǐ己content with one's lot and law-abiding
- ān安qí其suǒ所xí习comfortable with the familiar
- ān安nèi内rǎng攘wài外secure internal stability, repel external threats
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Open the tool →Questions about 安于故俗，溺于旧闻
What does 安于故俗，溺于旧闻 mean?
安于故俗，溺于旧闻 (ān yú gù sú ， nì yú jiù wén) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be content with old customs and immersed in outdated knowledge”.
How do you pronounce 安于故俗，溺于旧闻?
安于故俗，溺于旧闻 is pronounced ān yú gù sú ， nì yú jiù wén in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 安于故俗，溺于旧闻 literally mean?
Literally, 安于故俗，溺于旧闻 means “Content with old customs and immersed in outdated knowledge”. It is used to mean “to be content with old customs and immersed in outdated knowledge”.
Where does 安于故俗，溺于旧闻 come from?
安于故俗，溺于旧闻 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 安于故俗，溺于旧闻?
俗：习俗。溺：沉溺，陷入。拘守于老习惯，局限于旧见闻。形容因循守旧，安于现状。