• 阝(earthen bank; cliff)
• 鬲(tripod; partition)

A wall of earth is like a large basket separating and blocking two sides from coming together.

• 米(grain; thread (symbolizing something cut))
• 斤(axe; chopping tool)

Using an axe to chop and sever threads — the image of breaking or cutting off.

• 木(wood; tree)
• 反(flip over; reverse; return)

A wooden board is made by splitting the tree trunk upside down.

• 阝(earthen bank; cliff)
• 鬲(tripod; partition)

A wall of earth is like a large basket separating and blocking two sides from coming together.

• 米(grain; thread (symbolizing something cut))
• 斤(axe; chopping tool)

Using an axe to chop and sever threads — the image of breaking or cutting off.

• 木(wood; tree)
• 反(flip over; reverse; return)

A wooden board is made by splitting the tree trunk upside down.