水能载舟，亦能覆舟

水能载舟，亦能覆舟

Literally means:

waters can carry a boat and may also overturn it

Actually means:

people can consolidate a government and can overthrow it as well

载 refers to "carry"or "bear". 舟 refers to a boat. 亦 refers to "also" and 覆 refers to "overturn""topple". Water can allow a boat to sail on its surface, but can also overturn it.

Here the relationship between common people and the monarch is figuratively described as that between water and a boat. The phrase indicates that common people can support the ruler but can overthrow him as well, or that it is beneficial to deal with or use people or things properly, otherwise it is harmful.

载，承担。舟，船。亦，也。覆，翻倒。水可以让船浮在水面行驶，也可以让船翻沉。

这里把百姓和君王的关系比作水和船，比喻老百姓能够扶助统治者，也能够推翻统治者。也比喻对人或事的处理或使用得当就有利，否则就有害。