按圖索驥 àn tú suǒ jì

fig. to do things along rigid, conventional lines

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. fig. to do things along rigid, conventional lines
  2. 2. to try and find sth with the help of a clue
  3. 3. lit. looking for a fine horse using only a picture (idiom)

Characters

Character Meaning
according to; to press; to push
picture; map; drawing
to search; to demand; to ask
thoroughbred horse; refined and virtuous