To imitate mechanically without innovation or originality; to copy exactly without understanding or adding anything new.
小明在完成绘画作业时，总是依样葫芦，从不尝试加入自己的创意。
When completing his drawing assignments, Xiao Ming always copies mechanically, never trying to add his own creativity.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
In the early Song Dynasty, Tao Gu, a Hanlin academician, prided himself on his excellent writing and outstanding talent. Eager for a promotion, he advised Emperor Taizu of Song to emphasize literary work.
However, Emperor Taizu, Zhao Kuangyin, believed Tao Gu's job was merely copying, likening it to 'drawing a gourd from a model' (依样画葫芦), meaning to imitate mechanically.
Disappointed that his goal was not achieved, Tao Gu inscribed a poem on the wall of his residence: 'How laughable is Academician Tao of Hanlin, year after year, he merely draws gourds from a model.'
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