shuǐ​néng​zài​zhōu

water can carry a boat

Senses

水能载舟/ 水能載舟 shuǐ​néng​zài​zhōu water can carry a boat

first half of a common idiom stating that the people can support a leadership but can also overthrow it; used to describe the dual nature of power and public support

References

see 水能载舟,亦能覆舟/水能載舟,亦能覆舟 水能载舟/水能載舟