一刀两断 (yī dāo liǎng duàn) — to make a clean break; to end a relationship or connection decisively and permanently

Definition

A chengyu meaning to sever ties decisively and for good — usually relationships or past associations, not casual things. Implies a one-time, irreversible break, stronger than simply 'ending' something.

idiom
to make a clean breakto end a relationship or connection decisively and permanently

Examples

  • 一刀两断,。
    Tā hé guò qù de cuò wù yī dāo liǎng duàn, chóng xīn kāi shǐ le xīn shēng huó.
    He made a clean break with his past mistakes and started a new life.
  • ,一刀两断,。
    Jì rán xìng gé bù hé, bù rú yī dāo liǎng duàn, duì dà jiā dōu hǎo.
    Since you're not compatible, you might as well make a clean break — it's better for everyone.
  • 一刀两断,。
    Tā men jué dìng yī dāo liǎng duàn, cóng cǐ bú zài yǒu shēng yì wǎng lái.
    They decided to make a clean break and have no more business dealings from now on.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

一刀one knife
一yīone刀dāoknife
偏正Modifier + head
两断two severed
偏正Modifier + head

一刀 and 两断 picture one knife making two severed ends, ending a connection decisively.

Characters in this word

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

一 is drawn as one horizontal stroke, marking the number one.

Open 一 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 刀 comes from a simple picture of a knife.

Open 刀 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 兩; 两 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 兩 is described as combining 一 and 㒳. The simplified 两 is a later abbreviation.

Open 两 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 斷; 断 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 斷 uses 𢇍 (to cut) and 斤 (axe) together.

Open 断 →

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