改辕易辙 change the wheels and axle
Explanation
比喻改变原来的方向、态度或方法。
It means to change the original direction, attitude, or method.
Origin Story
话说春秋战国时期,有一位名叫子高的将军,他曾经率领军队取得过辉煌的战绩。然而,在一次重要的战役中,他却因为坚持使用老旧的战术而惨败。这场失败让子高认识到,时代在变,如果墨守成规,只会走向灭亡。于是他痛定思痛,认真研究了敌军的作战方法,并结合自身的实际情况,制定了一套全新的作战计划。这套作战计划,充分利用了敌军的弱点,并巧妙地规避了自己的短板。最终,在接下来的战斗中,子高率领军队取得了决定性的胜利,成功地扭转了局势。从此,子高便以“改辕易辙”的典故,告诫后人要勇于创新,要适应变化,才能在竞争激烈的时代立于不败之地。
During the Warring States period of ancient China, there was a general named Zigao who had won many glorious battles. However, in one major battle, he was badly defeated due to sticking to outdated tactics. This defeat made him realize that times change, and if one sticks to the old ways, they will only face destruction. Thus, he carefully examined the enemy’s battle strategies and developed a completely new plan. This new plan skillfully used the enemy's weaknesses, while cleverly avoiding his own. As a result, in the following battles, Zigao and his army won decisively, successfully turning the tide of the war. From then on, Zigao used the story of “Changing the wheels and axle” to advise later generations to dare to innovate and to adapt to change to succeed in a competitive era.
Usage
常用作谓语、宾语;指改变原来的态度和做法。
It is often used as a predicate or object; it refers to changing one's original attitude and approach.
Examples
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他痛改前非,改辕易辙,重新做人。
ta tonggai qianfei, gai yuan yi zhe, chongxin zuoren
He repented of his past mistakes and changed his ways to start over.
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公司决定改辕易辙,尝试新的营销策略。
gongsi jueding gai yuan yi zhe, changshi xin de yingxiao celue
The company decided to change course and try new marketing strategies..