按图索骥

按圖索驥
àntúsuǒjì
  1. lit. looking for a fine horse using only a picture (idiom)
  2. fig. to do things along rigid, conventional lines
  3. to try and find sth with the help of a clue

CEDICT

  1. (figurative) to try and find something with the help of a clue
  2. (figurative, derogatory) to do things along rigid, conventional lines
  3. to do things along rigid, conventional lines
  4. to try and find something with the help of a clue

Wiktionary

  1. 按照图象寻求好马。语本《汉书．卷六七．梅福传》：「今不循伯者之道，乃欲以三代选举之法取当时之士，犹察伯乐之图，求骐骥于市，而不可得，亦已明矣。」后比喻做事拘泥成法，呆板不知变通。元．袁桷〈示从子瑛〉诗：「隔竹引龟心有想，按图索骥术难灵。」
  2. 按照线索寻找、探求。比喻掌握线索，易于办事。

重編國語辭典

  1. 做事拘泥成法，呆板不知变通
  2. 按照线索寻找、探求；掌握线索，易于办事

維基詞典

Entry Composition

1 按 àn
  1. to press
  2. to push
  3. to leave aside or shelve
  4. to control
  5. to restrain
  6. to keep one's hand on
  7. to check or refer to
  8. according to
  9. in the light of
  10. (of an editor or author) to make a comment
2 图 tú
  1. diagram
  2. picture
  3. drawing
  4. chart
  5. map
  6. to plan
  7. to scheme
  8. to attempt
  9. to pursue
  10. to seek

classifier: 張
3 索 suǒ
  1. to search
  2. to demand
  3. to ask
  4. to exact
  5. large rope
  6. isolated
4 骥 jì
  1. thoroughbred horse
  2. refined and virtuous