凿破浑沌 — “To interfere with the natural”

凿破浑沌 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to interfere with the natural”. Unformed state of something, often with well-intentioned but misguided actions, leading to its destruction or harm. It can also refer to disrupting a primal order. Literally, “To chisel open Chaos (Hundun)”.

Frequency

凿破浑沌 Pronunciation and Pinyin

凿破浑沌 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
凿	záo	12	chisel or bore a hole
破	pò	10	break, destroy, or defeat
浑	hún	9	turbid, muddled, whole
沌	dùn	7	primordial chaos

Example Sentence with 凿破浑沌

有时，过度的创新或干预反而会凿破浑沌，破坏事物原有的平衡和和谐。

Sometimes, excessive innovation or intervention can 'chisel open chaos,' destroying the original balance and harmony of things.

Origin and Story of 凿破浑沌

Legend has it that the Emperor of the South Sea was Shu, the Emperor of the North Sea was Hu, and the Emperor of the Center was Hundun (Chaos).

Shu and Hu often met in Hundun's territory, and Hundun always treated them with great hospitality.

Shu and Hu, wanting to repay Hundun's kindness, said: 'All humans have seven orifices for seeing, hearing, eating, and breathing, but he alone has none. Let's try to chisel them open for him.'

So, they chiselled one orifice for Hundun each day. After seven days, when all seven orifices were complete, Hundun died.