Definition
走老路 is a fixed verb-object phrase (离合词) meaning 'to follow the old path' or 'to stick to outdated methods'. It carries a negative connotation of resisting change or innovation. As a separable verb, you can insert aspect markers (了, 过) or measure words between 走 and 老路 — for example, 走了老路 ('followed the old path') or 走过一回老路 ('followed the old path once').
v.o.
to follow the beaten pathto stick to old ways
Examples
- 走老路，。Tā zǒngshì zǒu lǎo lù, bú yuànyì chángshì xīn fāngfǎ.He always follows the old routine and is unwilling to try new methods.
- ，。Zhè cì tā zǒu le lǎo lù, jiéguǒ shībài le.This time he followed the old path, and as a result, he failed.
- 走老路，。Gōngsī bù néng zài zǒu lǎo lù le, bìxū chuàngxīn.The company can no longer follow the old routine; it must innovate.
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