Definition
畏缩不前 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to hang back in fear' or 'to shrink from moving forward'. It describes someone who hesitates or retreats due to fear, timidity, or lack of confidence. The literal image is 'fearfully shrink back, not advance'. Use it to criticize or describe someone who avoids taking action or facing a challenge because they are scared.
f.e.
to hang back in fearto shrink from advancing due to timidity or cowardice
Examples
- ，畏缩不前，。Miànduì kùnnán, wǒmen bù néng wèi suō bù qián, yào yǒnggǎn de yíng shàng qù.Facing difficulties, we cannot hang back in fear; we must bravely meet them head-on.
- 畏缩不前，。Tā zài guānjiàn shíkè wèi suō bù qián, shīqù le zuì hǎo de jīhuì.He hung back in fear at the critical moment and lost the best opportunity.
- 畏缩不前，。Nàxiē wèi suō bù qián de rén, yǒngyuǎn wúfǎ tǐhuì dào chénggōng de xǐyuè.Those who hang back in fear will never experience the joy of success.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.