To lose one's original skill or identity by blindly imitating others, often making a fool of oneself in the process; to fail to learn something new and also forget what one originally knew.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, people in Handan, the capital of the Zhao State, were known for their exceptionally graceful walking style, which was widely admired by outsiders.
A young man from Shouling in the Yan State was particularly fascinated by the Handan people's walking posture. He traveled specifically to Handan to learn it.
He meticulously observed, imitated, and practiced. However, he not only failed to master their walking style but also completely forgot his own original way of walking. Consequently, he had no choice but to crawl back to the Yan State.