📖 Meaning
To change the strings of an instrument and switch to a different road rut. It means to fundamentally change one's direction, plan, or approach. The idiom implies a decisive shift away from a previously established course of action.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from a Tang dynasty text by Bai Juyi, who wrote in an imperial decree that since Shangzhou was poor and barren, officials should govern with tranquility rather than abruptly change policies. It was also used by Wang Mao of the Song dynasty, who noted that if descendants of harsh officials changed their ways and acted with generosity, they could redeem their fathers' wrongs. Over time, the metaphor of restringing a lute and changing a cart's path came to signify a thorough change of direction.
💡 Example Usage
公司连续亏损后，管理层决定改弦易辙，全面调整经营策略。
After consecutive losses, the management decided to change course entirely and comprehensively overhaul the business strategy.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 改弦易辙
- Pinyin: gǎi xián yì zhé
- Literal Translation: change, string, alter, rut
- Category: Method
- Characters: 4