cau1 san1 zi2 fai3抽薪止沸
Jyutpingcau1 san1 zi2 fai3
Yalechāu sān jí fai
Definition
To take drastic measures to solve a problem at its root; literally, to remove the firewood to stop the water from boiling.
writtenother
How it's used
This idiom is a formal, literary expression often used in professional or analytical contexts to describe strategic problem solving. It draws on the imagery of removing firewood from under a boiling cauldron to stop the water from bubbling. While it sounds sophisticated, it is perfectly acceptable to use in serious discussions about policy or management.
Examples
To solve this problem, we must tackle the root cause first.
You are only doing superficial work, how can you tackle the root of the problem?
Related words
Common phrases
thoroughly tackle the root cause
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common daily phrase, but it is a formal idiom. Using it in casual, everyday conversation about trivial matters can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
