按图索骥

MEANING

1. 壹动verb

   lit. looking for a fine horse using only a picture (idiom)

   • wǒmenbùnéngàntúsuǒjì.

     我们不能按图索骥。🔊

     We cannot mechanically follow a set pattern.

2. 貳副adverb

   fig. to do things along rigid, conventional lines

   • wǒmenbùnéngàntúsuǒjì,yàolínghuóbiàntōng.

     我们不能按图索骥，要灵活变通。🔊

     We cannot rigidly follow a fixed pattern; we must be flexible and adapt accordingly.

3. 參动verb

   to try and find sth with the help of a clue

   • àntúsuǒjì,shìbàngōngbèi.

     按图索骥，事半功倍。🔊

     Follow the instructions, and your work will achieve twice the results with half the effort.