Meaning and Usage
"刻舟求剑" literally means "to carve a mark on a boat to seek a sword." It originates from a Chinese fable where a man drops his sword into a river from a boat and marks the boat's side to remember where it fell, ignoring that the boat moves. This idiom criticizes rigid thinking and inflexible adherence to outdated methods despite changing circumstances.
Common Contexts
This phrase is often used to describe people who fail to adapt to new situations or who stubbornly apply old solutions to new problems. It carries a mildly negative connotation, implying foolishness or lack of practical sense.
Collocations and Patterns
- 刻舟求剑的做法: describing a rigid or outdated approach
- 不要刻舟求剑: advising against inflexible thinking
- 刻舟求剑的故事: referring to the original fable
Usage Tips
Use this idiom when you want to criticize someone for being inflexible or when advising adaptability. Avoid using it in formal writing unless discussing the fable or metaphorically illustrating rigidity. It contrasts with phrases encouraging flexibility and innovation.