This means to solve a complex problem with decisive, swift action rather than overthinking. It's about cutting through confusion with boldness.
The saying comes from a story about a young boy who was given a tangled ball of hemp and a knife — he simply cut it. It reflects a pragmatic Chinese appreciation for efficiency over hesitation.
Chinese people use this saying to praise decisiveness — it signals that in some situations, speed and clarity are more valuable than endless deliberation. It's a call to action when problems become too tangled to solve piece by piece.
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