Chinese idiom · 成语
手足无措
Meaning
Hands and feet at a loss; to be flustered and helpless.
Character by character
Origin and story
Confucian political argumentIn the Analects (論語), Zilu asks what Confucius would address first if entrusted with government in Wei. Confucius answers that names and roles must be made correct. He then traces the consequences of disorder: confused language undermines action, ritual and music fail, punishments become inappropriate, and people no longer know where to put their hands and feet.
The source writes 錯 in the sense of placing, corresponding to 措 in the idiom. This image of having no secure way to act later became a description of someone visibly flustered and unsure what to do. Its starting point is the uncertainty caused by defective governance, not merely a tale of an easily frightened person.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
视频会议突然要我发言，我一时手足无措，连麦克风都没打开。
When I was suddenly asked to speak in the video meeting, I became so flustered that I didn't even unmute my microphone.
Describes being at a loss in one's reactions or actions, often from surprise or anxiety.