谨小慎微

謹小慎微
jǐnxiǎo-shènwēi
idiom #30,239

Meanings

  1. 1 overly cautious about small matters
  2. 2 excessively prudent; timid and nitpicking

Examples

HSK 7-9
Tā zuòshì jǐnxiǎo-shènwēi, hěn shǎo fàncuò, dàn yě hěn nán chūcǎi.
He handles things with extreme caution - seldom wrong, but rarely outstanding either.
HSK 7-9
Lǐngdǎo gǎngwèi xūyào pòlì, bùnéng jǐnxiǎo-shènwēi.
A leadership role calls for boldness; you can't be timid over every detail.

Tips

history
From 《淮南子·人间训》: "the sage is reverent with small things and cautious with minute ones, moving always in season." The original was pure praise; modern tone tilts critical, implying timidity.
usage
Usually mildly negative today - suggests the person is too careful to take initiative. Compare with the genuinely positive 小心谨慎.

Stroke Order

jǐn
xiǎo
shèn
wēi