Reform requires the courage to cut off a limb to save the body.
Tips
history
From 唐·窦皐《述书赋》: 壮士断腕以全质 — 'the warrior severs his wrist to preserve the whole (body).' Based on the older image of a man bitten by a venomous snake who amputates to stop the poison. The phrase became a political-reform cliché in modern China (often used by leaders to signal tough economic decisions).
usage
Strongly positive — praises the courage to accept a major loss in exchange for survival. Business restructuring, political reform, personal life choices. Stronger and more dramatic than 当机立断.
