Meaning

Literal

The smaller roots must extend deeply for the larger roots to be stable

Usage

Used to indicate that something's foundation is solid and unmovable. Often refers to organizations/groups or strength/power

Connotation

Neutral

Usage Examples

性别歧视在我们这个社会根深蒂固 | Xìngbié qíshì zài wǒmen zhège shèhuì gēnshēndìgù
Sexism is deeply entrenched in our society
[Source]

经济衰退仍然根深蒂固 | Jīngjì shuāituì réngrán gēnshēndìgù
The recession still has a firm hold on the economy
[Source]

Equivalents

English

None

Chinese

根深柢固 (gēn shēn dǐ gù)

Entry Notes

This is an HSK chengyu

Origin

《道德经》(Dào Dé Jīng), a sacred Daoist text written by Daoism founder 老子 (Lǎo Zǐ)