(cf Book of Songs) How to fashion an ax handle? You need an ax

• fákēzhěqízébùyuǎn.

  伐柯者其则不远。🔊

  Those who fell wood and shape axe handles have their model not far away.

fig. to follow a principle

• fákēfákē,qízébùyuǎn.

  伐柯伐柯，其则不远。🔊

  Chop the handle, chop the handle—the rule is not far away.

fig. to act as matchmaker

(cf Book of Songs) How to fashion an ax handle? You need an ax

• fákēzhěqízébùyuǎn.

  伐柯者其则不远。🔊

  Those who fell wood and shape axe handles have their model not far away.

fig. to follow a principle

• fákēfákē,qízébùyuǎn.

  伐柯伐柯，其则不远。🔊

  Chop the handle, chop the handle—the rule is not far away.

fig. to act as matchmaker