水能載舟，亦能覆舟 shuǐ néng zài zhōu ， yì néng fù zhōu

DEFINITIONS

  1. lit. water may keep the boat afloat but may also sink it (proverb)
  2. fig. the people can support a regime or overturn it
  3. if sth is used properly, one can benefit from it, otherwise it can do harm
  4. things can be double-edged

CHARACTERS

水 shuǐ
HSK 1
water, liquid, lotion, juice
能 néng
HSK 1
to be able; can, permitted to; ability
載 zài load; carry; transport, convey
舟 zhōu
HSK 6
boat, ship; KangXi radical 137
亦 yì
HSK 6
also, too; likewise
能 néng
HSK 1
to be able; can, permitted to; ability
覆 fù
HSK 6
cover; tip over; return; reply
舟 zhōu
HSK 6
boat, ship; KangXi radical 137