改弦更张 change the strings and retuning
Explanation
比喻改革制度或变更计划、方法。
It is a metaphor for reforming systems or changing plans and methods.
Origin Story
西汉时期，儒学家董仲舒学问精深，汉武帝对他十分敬重，便请他讲解治国之道。董仲舒认为，秦朝的一些旧制度已经不适应新时代的发展需求了，就好比一把琴，如果琴弦老化了，就需要更换新的琴弦，才能弹出和谐悦耳的乐曲。只有改弦更张，才能使国家安定富强。汉武帝采纳了他的建议，进行了一系列的改革，使西汉王朝进入了一个繁荣昌盛的时期。这个故事告诉我们，时代在发展，社会在进步，我们不能墨守成规，而应该与时俱进，积极地适应新的环境和挑战。
During the Western Han Dynasty, Dong Zhongshu, a Confucian scholar, was highly respected by Emperor Wu of Han, who asked him for advice on how to govern the country. Dong Zhongshu believed that some old systems of the Qin Dynasty were no longer suitable for the development needs of the new era. He compared it to a zither whose strings need to be replaced with new ones in order to play harmonious music. Only by changing and adjusting can the country be stable and prosperous. Emperor Wu adopted his advice and carried out a series of reforms, bringing the Western Han Dynasty into a prosperous period. This story tells us that times are developing, society is progressing, and we should not stick to the old ways but keep pace with the times and adapt actively to the new environment and challenges.
Usage
比喻对制度、计划或方法进行重大改革或调整。
A metaphor for significant reforms or adjustments to systems, plans, or methods.
Examples
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国家改革开放政策，改弦更张，使我国经济得到了飞速发展。
guojia gaige kaifang zhengce, gai xian geng zhang, shi woguo jingji dedaole feisu fazhan
The country's reform and opening-up policy has brought about rapid economic development through changes and adjustments.
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面对新的形势，企业必须改弦更张，才能在竞争中立于不败之地。
mian dui xin de xingshi, qiye bixu gai xian geng zhang, cai nengzai jingzheng zhong liyu bu bai zhi di
In the face of new challenges, enterprises must change their strategies in order to remain competitive and invincible in the market.