- 大刀阔斧 dàdāokuòfǔ bold and decisiveDescribing a way of handling things with vigor and resolution; literally "with a big knife and a broad axe"
- 大刀会 dàdāohuì Big Sword SocietyA secret peasant group in the late Qing dynasty and a branch of the [[白莲教|白蓮教|bai2 lian2 jiao4]], known for its anti-Western activities and influence on the Boxer Rebellion.
- 关公面前耍大刀 guāngōngmiànqiánshuǎdàdāo to show off to an expertLiterally to wield a broadsword in front of Lord Guan; used to describe someone making a fool of themselves by showing off their meager skills in the presence of a master of that craft.