快刀斬亂麻 kuài dāo zhǎn luàn má

act decisively to solve a difficult problem

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. lit. quick sword cuts through tangled hemp (idiom); decisive action in a complex situation
  2. 2. cutting the Gordian knot

Characters

Character Meaning
快 kuài HSK 2
quick; rapid; soon
刀 dāo HSK 4
knife; blade; classifier for knife cuts or stabs
斬 zhǎn
to chop; to behead (as form of capital punishment)
亂 luàn
in confusion or disorder; disorder; to mix up
麻 má HSK 4
to feel numb; hemp; sesame