斩草除根

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: zhǎn cǎo chú gēn
• English Translation: To cut the grass and remove the roots; to eradicate completely; to eliminate the root cause of trouble
• Idiom Composition: 「斩」（To cut down）＋「草」（Grass）＋「除」（To remove）＋「根」（Root）
• Meaning: To cut the grass and remove the roots completely. Figuratively, it means to thoroughly eliminate the root cause of a problem to prevent its recurrence. It is used when completely eradicating evil forces or the seeds of trouble.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「斩草除根」 contains the following nuances:

• Thorough removal: Emphasizes completely removing not only the surface of the problem but also its root cause.
• Prevention of recurrence: Indicates the intention to prevent the problem from recurring by removing its root.
• Strong determination: Expresses a strong determination and resolve to deal with the problem thoroughly.
• Ruthlessness: Implies an attitude of dealing with evil or problems mercilessly and without leniency.

3. Usage

「斩草除根」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Problem solving: Used when thorough measures are needed to prevent recurrence of social issues or corruption within organizations.
  • Example:「对待犯罪分子，我们必须斩草除根，不能让他们有再次作恶的机会。」
    （When dealing with criminals, we must eradicate them completely and not give them a chance to commit crimes again.）
• Elimination of evil: Refers to completely removing evil forces or harmful individuals within an organization.
  • Example:「这次改革要彻底，必须斩草除根，不能留下任何隐患。」
    （This reform must be thorough; we must eliminate the root cause and leave no hidden dangers.）
• Medical treatment: Used in cases such as completely removing affected areas to prevent recurrence of illness.
  • Example:「对付这种病毒，我们采取了斩草除根的策略，确保它不再传播。」
    （To combat this virus, we adopted a strategy of complete eradication to ensure it does not spread again.）

Additional Examples:

1. 在处理这个问题时，我们不能只治标不治本，要斩草除根。
   （When dealing with this problem, we must not only treat the symptoms but solve it from the root.）
2. 对于这种不良风气，我们一定要斩草除根，彻底杜绝。
   （Regarding such bad practices, we must eradicate them completely and eliminate them thoroughly.）
3. 为了公司的长远发展，必须斩草除根，清除那些害群之马。
   （For the company's long-term development, we must thoroughly remove the harmful elements and purify the organization.）
4. 主教练决定斩草除根，将那些不守纪律的球员全部开除出队。
   （The head coach decided to cut out the root of the problem and expelled all players who broke the rules from the team.）
5. 只有斩草除根，才能彻底解决这个困扰我们多年的问题。
   （Only by solving the problem from the root can we completely resolve this issue that has troubled us for years.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Connection to agricultural culture: '斩草除根' reflects the wisdom rooted in agricultural culture that weeds will grow back if left alone, so fundamental solutions are necessary to prevent recurrence of problems.
• Philosophy of '彻底除恶' (thorough elimination of evil): Classical Chinese thought emphasizes that evil must be completely eradicated. '斩草除根' reflects this idea of thorough dealing with problems.
• Caution due to intensity: Because '斩草除根' can justify extreme measures, it should be used carefully and appropriately.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 一网打尽 (yì wǎng dǎ jìn): To catch everything in one net; to capture all at once.
  • 除恶务尽 (chú è wù jìn): Evil must be eliminated thoroughly and completely.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 姑息养奸 (gū xī yǎng jiān): Temporary measures that end up supporting wrongdoers.
  • 养痈遗患 (yǎng yōng yí huàn): Neglecting problems out of convenience leads to future disasters.

6. Summary

'斩草除根' is a powerful expression emphasizing fundamental resolution of problems and prevention of recurrence. Rooted in Chinese agricultural culture and the philosophy of thorough elimination of evil, it reflects an attitude of dealing with problems decisively and completely. However, due to its intensity, it should be used with caution. To use this idiom appropriately, understanding its cultural background and applying it carefully according to context is essential.