Bù yī guīju, bù chéng fāngyuán.

不依規矩, 不成方圓。

Lit Without a compass and square, [one can]not form [squares and] circles.

Fig One can't do a job well without following the rules and regulations.

Note [Cf. Zàishēng Yuán, chap. 79; this is a paraphrase of Mencius (Mèngzǐ: Lí Lóu, Shàng); guīju, (lit) “compass and square,” now means “rules; regulations.”]

Topics DISCIPLINE Lí Lóu, Shàng Mencius RULES WORKING Zàishēng_Yuán