依葫芦画瓢 yī hú lu huà piáo

fig. to follow the existing pattern without modification

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. fig. to follow the existing pattern without modification
  2. 2. lit. to draw a dipper with a gourd as one's model (idiom)

Characters

Character Meaning
依 yī HSK 5
to depend on; according to; to comply with or listen to sb
葫 hú
bottle gourd; Allium scorodoprasum
芦 lu
reed; rush; Phragmites communis
画 huà HSK 3
to draw; painting; picture
瓢 piáo
dipper; ladle