按图索骥 (also used as 按图索骏; Chinese PinYin: [àn tú suǒ jì]; traditional Chinese: 按圖索驥) may mean: (1) look for a steed with the aid of its pictures; (2) try to locate something by following up a clue; (3) by a plan or chart; (4) stick to convention without no flexibility. It is a Chinese idiomatic expression that originates in the book “History of the Han Dynasty (汉书)” with the relevant originate text being: “犹察伯乐之图，求骐骥于市”. The term is often used in formal and written Mandarin Chinese. Some common phrases and expressions are: 不要按图索骥 (don’t simply repeat what the book says), 可按图索骥 (can follow the map or any other clue).

Literally: 按 (according to) + 图 (picture) + 索 (find) + 骥 (a thoroughbred horse)

1. How to pronounce 按图索骥?

Chinese Pinyin: [àn tú suǒ jì]

Pronunciation examples: Please click to play the below audio.

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Audio source: created by Baidu Voice

2. Synonyms And Antonyms of 按图索骥

Synonyms: 按图索骏, 照本宣科, 刻舟求剑, 生搬硬套, 胶柱鼓瑟

Antonyms: 不落窠臼, 无迹可寻, 大海捞针,

3. What are the fixed expression, collocation and idioms that contains 按图索骥

Fixed expression: N/A

Collocation: 不要按图索骥 (don’t simply repeat what the book says), 可按图索骥 (can follow the map or any other clue),

Idioms: 按图索骥

Terminologies: N/A

4. How to use 按图索骥 in a sentence?

Below are some example sentences and quotes containing 按图索骥.

4.1 我按图索骥来到了山上，突然发现自己在轻声低语：“文森特，你在哪呢？

Translation: I followed this self-guided tour up the hill, finding myself softly whispering: “Vincent, where are you?”

4.2 于是，我特意在画廊买了一张宣传海报，想日后去找这位艺术家，现在想来颇有点“按图索骥”的味道。

Translation: So I bought a poster of his show so I could get in touch with the artist later by following up the poster.

4.3 由此，一线教师可以按图索骥，选择适合教学目标和内容的一系列方法。

Translation: So, the front-lines teachers can look for a steed with the aid of its pictures, choosing a series of methods for the teaching objectives and contents.

4.4 我惊异地发现，在帕提欧，原来按图索骥，真的找到记忆中的那枚贝壳。

Translation: To my great surprise and delight, in Patio, I have really found the shell in my memory according to a map.

4.5 他做什么事情都是按图索骥，没有弹性, 所以效率太低。

Translation: He’s ineffective because his approach is too rigid without flexibility.

4.6 米其林指南让游客按图索骥，轻松找到最好餐厅进餐。

Translation: The Michelin Guide, like Ariadne’s thread, enables tourists to locate the best restaurants easily.

4.7 按图索骥，我通过地图找到了这家秦家饼店。

Translation: Following the map, I found the Qin Bakery.

4.8 沃伦·巴菲特探讨他们成功的原因，按图索骥，借用他山之石，学习成为投资他人企业、创造财富的一流高手。

Translation: Warren Buffett studies their successes for clues he can use in becoming the best at creating wealth by investing in other people’s businesses.

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