物极必反 Extremes lead to opposites
Explanation
事物发展到极点，就会向相反的方向转化。
When things develop to the extreme, they will turn to the opposite direction.
Origin Story
武则天是中国历史上唯一的女皇帝，她雄才大略，在位期间励精图治，使得大唐盛世达到了一个巅峰。然而，权力巅峰也意味着危险的边缘。她晚年变得猜忌多疑，滥杀无辜，导致民怨沸腾。最终，她被迫退位，走向了历史的另一端。武则天的故事，正应了“物极必反”这句古训。她最初的雄才大略为大唐带来了辉煌，但权力最终将她推向了反面。
Wu Zetian was the only female emperor in Chinese history. She was a talented ruler, and during her reign she diligently governed and brought the great Tang Dynasty to its peak. However, the peak of power also meant the edge of danger. In her later years she became suspicious and distrustful, killing innocents, leading to popular resentment. In the end, she was forced to abdicate, going to the other side of history. The story of Wu Zetian reflects the old adage "Wù jí bì fǎn". Her initial talent and grand plans brought glory to the Tang Dynasty, but power ultimately pushed her to the opposite.
Usage
用于说明事物发展变化的规律；劝诫人要适可而止。
Used to illustrate the laws of development and change of things; to exhort people to stop at the right time.
Examples
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盛极而衰，物极必反，这是历史发展的客观规律。
Shèngjí'érshuāi, wùjíbìfǎn, zhèshì lìshǐ fāzhǎn de kèguān guīlǜ。
The rise and fall of things, the extreme must be reversed, this is the objective law of historical development.
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任何事物发展到极致都会走向反面，物极必反的道理我们必须时刻牢记。
Rènhé shìwù fāzhǎn dào jízhì dōu huì xiàng fǎnmiàn, wùjíbìfǎn de dàolǐ wǒmen bìxū shíkè láojì。
Anything that develops to the extreme will turn to the opposite side, we must always keep in mind the truth that extreme will turn into the opposite.
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物极必反，否极泰来，希望在困境之后。
Wùjíbìfǎn, fǒují tài lái, xīwàng zài kùnjìng zhīhòu。
Extreme must be reversed, the worst phase must be reversed to the best, hope after difficulties.