对症下药

duìzhèngxiàyào

HSK 7

对症下药 — duìzhèngxiàyào

1. fig. to analyze a problem and adopt the appropriate measures; to take appropriate steps

   处理矛盾要对症下药，不能一刀切。 chǔlǐ máodùn yào duìzhèngxiàyào bùnéng yīdāoqiē — When resolving conflicts you need to apply the right remedy; a one-size-fits-all approach won't do.

2. lit. to prescribe the right medicine for an illness; to treat an illness with the appropriate medicine

   医生根据病因对症下药，病人的情况很快好转了。 yīshēng gēnjù bìngyīn duìzhèngxiàyào bìngrén de qíngkuàng hěnkuài hǎozhuǎn le — The doctor prescribed the right medicine according to the cause, and the patient's condition improved quickly.