三过家门而不入

三过家门而不入

Literally means:

pass by one's home three times without going into it

Actually means:

be too dedicated to one's duties to take care of his family

According to a legend, Xia Yu, the senior court official, had been busy with the water control official, had been busy with the water control projects for a long time, during which he passed by his home three times, but did not get in. It indicates one is fully devoted to public or government affairs and does not take care of his family or personal affairs at all. It connotes the selfless spirit. Commendatory.

传说长期在外治水的夏禹，一心为了工作，三次经过自己家门口都没有进去。形容一个人全心全意为了公家的事，把私人的事情放在一边。强调公而忘私的精神。具有褒义色彩。