To hesitate to move forward; to hold back or be reluctant to advance due to difficulties, apprehension, or a lack of resolve.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, Fan Sui, a retainer of Xujia, a senior official in the State of Wei, was framed and had to flee to the State of Qin, where he changed his name to Zhang Lu.
He sought an audience with King Zhao of Qin to address the issue of four powerful individuals monopolizing authority.
Fan Sui told the king that he risked his life to meet him for the future of Qin. He warned that if he were to be killed, it would cause all ambitious people in the world who wished to help Qin to "bind their feet and not advance" (裹足不前), meaning they would be deterred from offering their services.
He then analyzed the current situation of Qin with great clarity and insight. Impressed by his wisdom and courage, King Zhao of Qin appointed him as prime minister.