一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)

いっとうりょうだん
noun, na-adjective
cutting in two with one stroke; decisive action
formalexpression
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(しゃちょう)が一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)に決(き)めた。
The company president made a decisive ruling.
その提案(ていあん)は一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)に退(しりぞ)けられた。
The proposal was flatly rejected.
彼(かれ)は問題(もんだい)を一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)に片(かた)づけるタイプだ。
He's the type who settles problems decisively.

A 四字熟語(よじじゅくご) (four-character idiom) literally meaning 'cutting in two with one sword.' Used figuratively for swift, decisive action or judgment.

Etymology

一刀(いっとう) (one sword stroke) + 両断(りょうだん) (cutting in two). Originally from Chinese.

Common patterns

  • 一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)に + verb: adverbially (most common)
  • 一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)する: as a suru-verb
  • 一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)な + noun: as a na-adjective
  • 一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)に切(き)り捨(す)てる: to cut down decisively
  • 一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)に退(しりぞ)ける: to flatly reject
  • 一刀両断(いっとうりょうだん)に片付(かたづ)ける: to settle decisively

Usage

Usually positive, suggesting leadership and decisiveness. However, it can imply being overly blunt or dismissive when the decision affects others.

general
Added 2026.3.22 13:37 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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