1.
cutting something in two with a single stroke; making a clean, decisive judgment
A four-character compound (四字熟語) describing the act of resolving something swiftly and decisively, like cutting through an object with one stroke of a sword. Often used with する to describe making a bold, unequivocal decision or dismissal.
社長が一刀両断に決めた。
The company president made a decisive ruling.
その提案は一刀両断に退けられた。
The proposal was flatly rejected.
彼は問題を一刀両断に片づけるタイプだ。
He's the type who settles problems decisively.
A 四字熟語 (four-character idiom) literally meaning 'cutting in two with one sword.' Used figuratively for swift, decisive action or judgment.
ETYMOLOGY:
一刀 (one sword stroke) + 両断 (cutting in two). Originally from Chinese.
GRAMMAR:
- 一刀両断に + verb: adverbially (most common)
- 一刀両断する: as a suru-verb
- 一刀両断な + noun: as a na-adjective
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 一刀両断に切り捨てる: to cut down decisively
- 一刀両断に退ける: to flatly reject
- 一刀両断に片付ける: to settle decisively
NUANCE:
Usually positive, suggesting leadership and decisiveness. However, it can imply being overly blunt or dismissive when the decision affects others.