操斧伐柯 cāo fǔ fá kē

fig. to follow a principle; fig. to act as matchmaker

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

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

Characters

Character Meaning
操 cāo HSK 5
to exercise; to drill (practice); to control
斧 fǔ
hatchet
伐 fá HSK 6
to cut down; to fell; to attack
柯 kē
surname Ke; stem; tree branch