To imitate or copy mechanically without originality; to follow a set pattern without much thought.
学徒初期，他只能照葫芦画瓢地模仿师傅的技艺，但随着经验增长，他开始有了自己的风格。
In the initial apprenticeship, he could only mechanically imitate his master's techniques, but as his experience grew, he began to develop his own style.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the early Song Dynasty, Tao Gu, a Hanlin academician, prided himself on his literary prowess and exceptional talent. Eager for a promotion, he advised Emperor Taizu of Song to prioritize literary work.
However, Emperor Taizu believed Tao Gu's job was merely one of transcription, dismissing it as "drawing gourds by following a pattern" (照葫芦画瓢).
Disappointed that his aspirations were unfulfilled, Tao Gu inscribed a poem on the wall of his residence: 'How laughable that Academician Tao, year after year, merely draws gourds following a model.'
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