Chinese idiom · 成语
后顾之忧
Meaning
Worries about what’s behind; concerns for family or obligations.
Character by character
Origin and story
historicalThe Book of Wei (魏书), in its biography of Li Chong, records an emperor's concern when this trusted official became gravely ill. The ruler explains that he had entrusted important affairs to Li Chong because of his character and ability. That arrangement allowed the emperor to travel beyond the borders without anxiety about matters left behind. Li Chong's sudden illness therefore caused him particular distress.
The phrase in this passage is 后顾之忧, literally worry about looking back. Its later use extends well beyond rulers and the administration of a capital: it can refer to family responsibilities, unfinished arrangements, or other concerns that prevent someone from concentrating fully on the task ahead.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
公司安排了托儿服务，让出差的员工少了后顾之忧。
The company arranged childcare, giving employees traveling for work fewer worries about home.
Often used with 消除、解决 or 没有 for concerns about responsibilities left behind.