zaam2 cou2 ceoi4 gan1斬草除根斩草除根

Jyutpingzaam2 cou2 ceoi4 gan1

Yalejáam chóu chèuih gān

動詞

Definition

To eliminate the root of a problem; to stamp out the source of a trouble completely.

neutraldaily actions

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong, decisive tone, often implying that a half-hearted solution will only lead to the problem recurring. It is frequently used in professional or serious contexts where a permanent fix is required to prevent future complications. While it literally refers to gardening, it is almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe resolving conflicts or eliminating threats.

Examples

cyu5處lei5理le1呢gin2件si6事jiu3要zaam2斬cou2草ceoi4除gan1根，m4唔hou2好lau4留sau2手。

You need to nip this in the bud and not hold back.

nei5你ji5以wai4為gaai2解kyut3決zo2咗biu2表min6面man6問tai4題zau6就zaam2斬cou2草ceoi4除gan1根laa3喇me1咩？

Do you really think you've solved the root cause just by fixing the surface issue?

Common phrases

bit1必seoi1須zaam2斬cou2草ceoi4除gan1根

must be eliminated at the root

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say 'solve a problem', but it specifically implies a thorough, final, and sometimes ruthless approach. Avoid using it for minor, everyday inconveniences like fixing a leaky tap or finding a lost key.