大刀阔斧

大刀闊斧

dàdāo-kuòfǔ

idiom #43,565

Meanings

1 with big knife and broad axe
2 bold and decisive (in action); drastic

Characters

Examples

新总裁大刀阔斧地进行改革。

Xīn zǒngcái dàdāokuòfǔ de jìnxíng gǎigé.

The new CEO pushed through reforms boldly and decisively.

他大刀阔斧地裁员重组。

Tā dàdāokuòfǔ de cáiyuán chóngzǔ.

He made sweeping cuts and restructured.

改革需要大刀阔斧的魄力。

Gǎigé xūyào dàdāokuòfǔ de pòlì.

Reform takes the nerve to act boldly and decisively.

Tips

history

From 《水浒传》 — the image is of warriors swinging big blades rather than delicate thrusts. Now applied to leaders who cut through problems rather than tinker.

Stroke Order

大 dà

刀 dāo

阔 kuò

斧 fǔ