戰戰兢兢

Etymology

From the Classic of Poetry:

戰戰兢兢，如臨深淵，如履薄冰。 [Classical Chinese, trad.][▼ expand/hide]
战战兢兢，如临深渊，如履薄冰。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

From: The Classic of Poetry, circa 11^th – 7^th centuries BCE, translated based on James Legge's version

Zhànzhàn jīngjīng, rú lín shēnyuān, rú lǚ bóbīng. [Pinyin]

We should be apprehensive and careful,
As if we were on the brink of a deep gulf,
As if we were treading on thin ice.

Pronunciation

Idiom

戰戰兢兢

1. (ideophonic) trembling with fear; apprehensive and careful; fearful and cautious