'Guǒ zú bù qián' literally means 'to wrap one's feet and not advance' — a vivid idiom rooted in the historical practice of foot-binding, where women's feet were tightly bound, making walking painful and difficult. Figuratively, it describes a state of hesitation, fear, or unwillingness to take action or move forward, often due to anxiety, uncertainty, or excessive caution.

This idiom is commonly used in formal or literary contexts — such as essays, speeches, or news commentary — to criticize stagnation, especially when progress is urgently needed. It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the hesitation is unwarranted or harmful. While it can describe individuals, it’s frequently applied to institutions, policies, or societal trends that resist necessary change.