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

fig. to follow a principle

• cāofǔfákē,qízébùyuǎn.

  操斧伐柯，其则不远。🔊

  Taking up an axe to fell the shaft, the model is not far off.

fig. to act as matchmaker

• cāofǔfákē,qízébùyuǎn.

  操斧伐柯，其则不远。🔊

  When cutting a handle with an axe, the rule is not far away.

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

fig. to follow a principle

• cāofǔfákē,qízébùyuǎn.

  操斧伐柯，其则不远。🔊

  Taking up an axe to fell the shaft, the model is not far off.

fig. to act as matchmaker

• cāofǔfákē,qízébùyuǎn.

  操斧伐柯，其则不远。🔊

  When cutting a handle with an axe, the rule is not far away.