discard the old and establish the new; major reform
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to discard the old and establish the new; to reform and innovate; (esp.) dynastic change or major political reform
formalDerived from the I Ching (周易). Literally 'change (革) the old (故), establish (鼎) the new (新)'. 鼎 refers to the tripod vessel symbolizing state power. Often used in formal contexts discussing institutional reforms, paradigm shifts, or historical dynastic transitions.
Gōng公
sī司
xū需
yào要
gé革
gù故
dǐng鼎
xīn新
，
cái才
néng能
zài在
jī激
liè烈
de的
shì市
chǎng场
jìng竞
zhēng争
zhōng中
shēng生
cún存
。
The company needs to reform and innovate in order to survive in the fierce market competition.
Lì历
shǐ史
shàng上
měi每
yī一
cì次
gé革
gù故
dǐng鼎
xīn新
，
dōu都
bàn伴
suí随
zhe着
liú流
xuè血
xī牺
shēng牲
。
Every major reform in history has been accompanied by bloodshed and sacrifice.
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Xīn新
lǐng领
dǎo导
shàng上
rèn任
hòu后
，
lì力
zhǔ主
gé革
gù故
dǐng鼎
xīn新
，
tuī推
fān翻
le了
xǔ许
duō多
jiù旧
yǒu有
de的
guī规
zhāng章
zhì制
dù度
。
After taking office, the new leader vigorously advocated reform and innovation, overturning many old rules and regulations.