To imitate others slavishly and lose one's own originality; to try to ape others and lose one's own identity.
他在工作中总是盲目地模仿别人的方法，结果学步邯郸，自己的效率反而更低了。
He always blindly imitates others' methods at work, and as a result, he's like 'learning to walk in Handan,' becoming even less efficient himself.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, the people of Handan, the capital of the State of Zhao, were known for their elegant and graceful way of walking, which was much admired and envied by outsiders.
A young man from Shoulíng in the State of Yan was particularly fascinated by the Handan style of walking. He traveled to Handan specifically to learn it. He meticulously observed, imitated, and practiced.
After some time, he not only failed to learn their elegant gait but also completely forgot his own original way of walking.
Next Idiom