操斧伐柯

Traditional form:

操斧伐柯

Pinyin (reading):

cāofǔfákē

Definitions:

• (cf Book of Songs) How to fashion an ax handle? You need an ax
• fig. to follow a principle
• fig. to act as matchmaker

Characters:

• 操 - to conduct, to manage, to run
• 斧 - axe, hatchet; to chop, to hew
• 伐 - cut down, subjugate, attack
• 柯 - axe-handle, bough, stalk; surname

Traditional characters:

• 操 - to conduct, to manage, to run
• 斧 - axe, hatchet; to chop, to hew
• 伐 - cut down, subjugate, attack
• 柯 - axe-handle, bough, stalk; surname