按圖索驥

Chinese
 
to press (with the hand); to push; to control; to restrain; to check; pressing down (brush movement in painting); according to; in the light of
 
diagram; to plan; picture; drawing; chart
 
to search; to demand; to ask; to exact; large rope; isolated
 thoroughbred horse; refined and virtuous
trad. (按圖索驥) 按 圖 索 驥
simp. (按图索骥) 按 图 索 骥
Literally: “to look for a fine horse using only a picture”.

Pronunciation

Idiom

按圖索驥

  1. (figuratively, derogatory) to do things along rigid, conventional lines
  2. (figuratively) to try and find something with the help of a clue
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