# 斩草除根

zhǎn cǎo chú gēn

Eliminate a problem completely at its source

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Cut weeds and remove their roots

**Traditional Chinese:** 斬草除根

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Use for removing underlying causes rather than symptoms.

Harsh when applied to people; choose context carefully.

## Understanding the expression

Cutting visible weeds is temporary if their roots remain in the soil. Removing the roots represents a solution that prevents the same trouble from growing back. In modern discussion, the expression can refer to repeated mistakes, duplicate records, or recurring technical failures. Its tone is firm because it calls for a complete solution. Explain the underlying cause and the action that addresses it, so the image supports practical improvement rather than merely demanding that a problem disappear.

## Examples

整理文件要对重复记录斩草除根。

### Traditional Chinese

整理文件要對重複記錄斬草除根。

zhěng lǐ wén jiàn yào duì chóng fù jì lù zhǎn cǎo chú gēn 。

Organizing the files requires eliminating duplicate records completely.

这个漏洞必须斩草除根。

### Traditional Chinese

這個漏洞必須斬草除根。

zhè ge lòu dòng bì xū zhǎn cǎo chú gēn 。

This vulnerability must be completely eradicated.

只删广告还不够，要对恶意软件斩草除根。

### Traditional Chinese

只刪廣告還不夠，要對惡意軟件斬草除根。

zhī shān guǎng gào hái bú gòu ， yào duì è yì ruǎn jiàn zhǎn cǎo chú gēn 。

Deleting the advertisements is not enough; the malware must be eliminated entirely.

整理流程不能只改表面，要对重复劳动斩草除根。

### Traditional Chinese

整理流程不能只改表面，要對重複勞動斬草除根。

zhěng lǐ liú chéng bù néng zhī gǎi biǎo miàn ， yào duì chóng fù láo dòng zhǎn cǎo chú gēn 。

Improving the process means eliminating repetitive work at its source, not only changing appearances.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%96%AC%E8%8D%89%E9%99%A4%E6%A0%B9)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=699&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [斩钉截铁 zhǎn dīng jié tiě Speak or act decisively without hesitation ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/zhan-ding-jie-tie)

- [瞻前顾后 zhān qián gù hòu Weigh consequences, sometimes too hesitantly ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/zhan-qian-gu-hou)

- [朝秦暮楚 zhāo qín mù chǔ Switch loyalties or choices opportunistically ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/zhao-qin-mu-chu)

- [朝三暮四 zhāo sān mù sì Keep changing one's mind or commitments ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/zhao-san-mu-si)

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