fu2 dai2 cau1 san1釜底抽薪

Jyutpingfu2 dai2 cau1 san1

Yalefú dái chāu sān

動詞

Definition

To solve a problem from its source; to take a drastic measure to strike at the root of a problem.

writtenother

How it's used

This idiom is a classic reference to the Thirty-Six Stratagems, emphasizing the importance of removing the source of a conflict rather than just dealing with its symptoms. While it sounds formal and literary, it is frequently used in professional or analytical discussions to suggest a strategic, long-term solution. It carries a sense of decisiveness and intellectual depth.

Examples

soeng2想gaai2解kyut3決ni1呢go3個man6問tai4題，jat1一ding6定jiu3要fu2釜dai2底cau1抽san1薪sin1先dak1得。

To solve this problem, we must address the root cause.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得ni1呢go3個fong1方faat3法syun3算m4唔syun3算hai6係fu2釜dai2底cau1抽san1薪aa4呀？

Do you think this method counts as addressing the root cause?

Common phrases

fu2釜dai2底cau1抽san1薪zi1之gai2計

a strategy to address the root cause

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say 'fix a problem,' but it specifically implies a radical or structural change at the source. Using it for minor, everyday inconveniences like fixing a leaky tap can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.