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.

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