The word "踌躇不前" is formed by combining "踌躇", which denotes hesitation or wavering, with "不前", meaning not moving forward. The characters "踌" and "躇" both relate to hesitant movement, "不" serves as a negation, and "前" indicates a forward direction. Their direct combination results in a literal meaning of "hesitant and not advancing", conveying the concept of indecision or reluctance to proceed.