Definitions
walk with short steps
Etymology
About
Constructed with a phono-semantic structure, 蹐 features the semantic foot radical 足 on the left, indicating actions related to movement, paired with the phonetic component 脊 on the right. The character denotes walking with short, constrained steps. In classical literature, this careful gait was often used metaphorically to express intense fear, extreme caution, or deep reverence, suggesting someone treading so carefully they dare not take a full stride. It commonly appears in traditional idioms describing individuals acting with great circumspection or navigating precarious situations.
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