Solving one problem by creating another—borrowing from one source to pay another, only to end up in the same or worse situation. It criticizes short-sighted, unsustainable solutions.
This metaphor comes from rural life where walls were made of mud and brick—tearing one down to fix another leaves the house structurally weaker overall.
This saying warns against the trap of circular problem-solving. It signals that Chinese culture values addressing root causes rather than temporary patches—a practical wisdom born from managing scarce resources over centuries.
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
🎴 Play Chinese Wisdom Cards