Definitions

1. 1. lit. water may keep the boat afloat but may also sink it (proverb)
2. 2. fig. the people can support a regime or overturn it
3. 3. if sth is used properly, one can benefit from it, otherwise it can do harm
4. 4. things can be double-edged

Components

• 水能 shuǐ néng – hydroelectric power
• 载 zài – to carry
• 舟 zhōu – boat
• 亦 yì – also
• 能 Néng – surname Neng
• 覆 fù – to cover