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操斧伐柯
cāofǔfákē
1. (cf Book of Songs) How to fashion an ax handle? You need an ax
2. fig. to follow a principle
3. fig. to act as match-maker

Character Breakdown

操
cāo
to conduct, to manage, to run
HSK 5 16 丶
斧
fǔ
axe, hatchet; to chop, to hew
8 丶
伐
fá
cut down, subjugate, attack
HSK 6 6 丶
柯
kē
axe-handle, bough, stalk; surname
9 丶

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Chinese