Zhānqiángùhòu shì bìyào de, dàn guòdù jiù biànchéng yóuyù-bùjué.
Some looking-before-and-after is necessary, but taken too far it becomes indecision.
Tips
history
From Qu Yuan's 《离骚》: 瞻前而顾后兮，相观民之计极 - 'I look forward and glance backward, considering the limits of the people's plans.' Originally reflective deliberation; in modern use leans toward the negative sense of timid hesitation.
usage
Has two shades: positive (thoughtfully weighing pros and cons) or negative (overcautious to the point of paralysis). Context decides. Pair with 畏首畏尾 or 犹豫不决 for the negative sense.
