zhǎn斩chopdīng钉nailjié截cuttiě铁iron
Resolute and decisive; to chop nails and slice iron (with ease).
Literal meaning
chop (斩) — nail (钉) — cut (截) — iron (铁)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase describing decisiveness and firmness.
Examples
Tā他zhǎn斩dīng钉jié截tiě铁de地jù拒jué绝le了tā他men们de的yāo要qiú求。
He resolutely refused their request.
Tā她shuō说huà话zhǎn斩dīng钉jié截tiě铁，hěn很yǒu有pò魄lì力。
She speaks decisively and has great courage.
Usage & nuances
Describes a person's speech or actions as being firm and unwavering.
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