临深履薄 — “Approaching an abyss and treading on thin ice”
临深履薄 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be extremely cautious and vigilant, as if standing on the edge of an abyss or walking on thin ice; to act with great circumspection due to a precarious situation”. Literally, “Approaching an abyss and treading on thin ice”.
临深履薄 Pronunciation and Pinyin
临深履薄 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 临深履薄
Origin and Story of 临深履薄
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Empress Ma, wife of Emperor Ming, was known for her kindness and deep understanding of propriety. She held a strong affection for Liu Da, who was born to Consort Jia.
When Liu Da ascended the throne as Emperor Zhang of Han, he honored Empress Ma as the Empress Dowager. Out of respect and gratitude, Emperor Zhang repeatedly suggested bestowing noble titles upon Empress Ma's brothers. However, Empress Ma consistently declined these offers, fearing that it would lead to their undue arrogance and potential harm.
Despite her wisdom, her nephew, Ma Yu, harbored resentment, complaining about not receiving greater favors and wealth. Witnessing this, Yang Zhong, a respected official, gravely advised Ma Liao, Empress Ma's brother and Ma Yu's father, to act with extreme caution, as if 'approaching an abyss and treading on thin ice,' and warned him against indulging his son's greed, reminding him of the precarious position their family held.
Idioms Related to 临深履薄
Synonyms of 临深履薄
Antonyms of 临深履薄
More idioms starting with 临
- lín临shì事zhì制biàn变adapt to changing circumstances
- lín临shì事ér而jù惧to be cautious when confronting a task
- lín临jūn军duì对lěi垒confront an adversary in a contested situation
- lín临jūn军duì对zhèn阵to face the enemy in battle
- lín临bié别zèng赠yán言parting words of advice
- lín临bié别zèng赠yǔ语parting words of advice
- lín临wēi危xià下shí石kick someone when they're down
- lín临wēi危bù不luàn乱remain calm in danger
- lín临wēi危bù不jù惧face danger fearlessly
- lín临wēi危bù不dàn惮fearless in the face of danger
- lín临wēi危bù不náo挠unyielding in the face of danger
- lín临wēi危bù不gǒu苟Maintain integrity in the face of danger
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Open the tool →Questions about 临深履薄
What does 临深履薄 mean?
临深履薄 (lín shēn lǚ bó) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to be extremely cautious and vigilant, as if standing on the edge of an abyss or walking on thin ice; to act with great circumspection due to a precarious situation”.
How do you pronounce 临深履薄?
临深履薄 is pronounced lín shēn lǚ bó in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 临深履薄 literally mean?
Literally, 临深履薄 means “Approaching an abyss and treading on thin ice”. It is used to mean “to be extremely cautious and vigilant, as if standing on the edge of an abyss or walking on thin ice; to act with great circumspection due to a precarious situation”.
Where does 临深履薄 come from?
临深履薄 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 临深履薄?
深：深渊；履：踩踏；薄：薄冰。面临深渊，脚踩薄冰。比喻小心谨慎，惟恐有失。