chōu​xīn​zhǐ​fèi

to solve a problem at the root

Senses

抽薪止沸 chōu​xīn​zhǐ​fèi to solve a problem at the root

Literally meaning to take away the firewood to stop the water from boiling; to take drastic measures to solve a problem from its source or eliminate the cause of trouble.

References

synonym 抽薪止沸/抽薪止沸 釜底抽薪/釜底抽薪