📖 Meaning
Originally referring to a brave warrior who immediately cuts off his own wrist after being bitten by a venomous snake, to prevent the poison from spreading throughout the body. It metaphorically means making a prompt and decisive decision without hesitation or compromise, even at a significant cost.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Tang dynasty text 'Shu Shu Fu Xia' (述书赋下) by Dou Gao (窦皐). The original passage draws a parallel: 'A gentleman overlooks flaws to promote talent, just as a brave warrior cuts off his wrist to preserve his life.' The imagery conveys the idea that a courageous person will sacrifice a part of themselves to save the whole, symbolizing the need for resolute action when facing a crisis.
💡 Example Usage
面对亏损不断的子公司，董事会决定以壮士断腕的魄力将其剥离。
Faced with a perpetually losing subsidiary, the board of directors resolved to divest it with the decisive resolve of a warrior severing his own wrist.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 壮士断腕
- Pinyin: zhuàng shì duàn wàn
- Literal Translation: brave warrior, cut off, wrist
- Category: Determination
- Characters: 4