shuǐ​néng​zài​zhōu​yì​néng​fù​zhōu

water can carry a boat or overturn it

Senses

水能载舟,亦能覆舟/ 水能載舟,亦能覆舟 shuǐ​néng​zài​zhōu​yì​néng​fù​zhōu water can carry a boat or overturn it

Proverb meaning that the people can support a ruler or overthrow him; also used more broadly to mean that anything can be a double-edged sword, providing benefit if used correctly but causing harm if used poorly managed.

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