Chinese word

一刀两断

Pronunciation

Pinyinyī dāo liǎng duàn

Meaning

  • idiomsettle once and for all

Example

老板对这件事一刀两断，不再讨论。láo bǎn duì zhè jiàn shì yì dāo liǎng duàn bú zài tǎo lùn

The boss settled the matter once and for all and stopped discussing it.

Illustration for 一刀两断 (settle once and for all)

More examples

我决定跟他一刀两断，不再联系。wǒ jué dìng gēn tā yì dāo liǎng duàn bú zài lián xì

I decided to break off relations with him and stop contacting him.

Core concept

A single decisive cut separates what was joined and leaves no path back.

Common phrases

  • 对这件事一刀两断duì zhè jiàn shì yì dāo liǎng duàn

    deal with this matter once and for all

  • 跟他一刀两断gēn tā yì dāo liǎng duàn

    break off relations with him

  • 做出一刀两断的决定zuò chū yì dāo liǎng duàn de jué dìng

    make a firm decision

Similar words

毅然决然yì rán jué rán: Deciding resolutely and without any hesitation.
当机立断dāng jī lì duàn: Deciding quickly and firmly at a critical moment.
斩钉截铁zhǎn dīng jié tiě: Showing a firm and uncompromising attitude in words or actions.

Definition in Chinese

形容坚决地结束某种关系或行为，语气果断且不留余地。xíng róng jiān jué dì jié shù móu zhǒng guān xì huò xíng wéi yǔ qì guǒ duàn qiě bù liú yú dì

Word origin

一刀两断 (yīdāoliǎngduàn, "one cut, two pieces") literally describes cutting one thing into two, an image that extends to a firm break with no room for reversal.

Usage tips

  • Its forceful tone can sound cold when applied to people, so it fits a firm refusal or final break better than a minor everyday choice.

Opposites

Word lists with this word