揠苗助长

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"揠苗助长" is an idiom that literally means "pulling up seedlings to help them grow." It is used metaphorically to describe the mistake of trying to speed up a process in a way that actually harms progress. This idiom warns against impatience and over-intervention.

Common Contexts

It is often used in education, management, and personal development contexts where rushing or forcing progress leads to negative outcomes.

Typical Collocations

Usage Notes

When using this idiom, speakers imply that patience and allowing natural development are better than forcing progress. It often carries a cautionary tone. Avoid confusing it with expressions that encourage quick success; this idiom criticizes such attempts.

Example Sentences

He always tries to rush things and wants to achieve success in one step, but

You shouldn't rush children's education; let them grow naturally.

The company management should not rush things but steadily advance the