to follow an established principle or use a pattern at hand to accomplish something, based on the classic imagery from the Book of Songs

处理复杂事务时，若能操斧伐柯，遵循旧制，往往事半功倍。

to act as a matchmaker or intermediary in arranging a marriage

他今日特地登门造访，便是想操斧伐柯，为令郎提亲。