一发不可收拾

• 一(first; number one (pictographic))ASSOCIATIVE

A single horizontal stroke symbolizes the number one, the beginning of all things.

• 弓(bow; archer)RADICAL
• 癶(two legs step out)ASSOCIATIVE
• 又(right hand)ASSOCIATIVE

A hand drawing a bow with two legs stepping forward is the action of 'shooting' an arrow.

• 不(no; not; negation)ASSOCIATIVE

A bird flying swiftly upward and never willing to return represents the meaning of swift and unyielding.

• 口(mouth; opening)RADICAL
• 丁(man; adult male)PHONETIC

A mouth uttering words of approval with a sound like "ding" gives you the character meaning "can" or "able."

• 丩(coil up; bind; tie)ASSOCIATIVE
• 攵(hand; wield stick; action)RADICAL

A hand holding a stick binding things together — that is the action of seizing and gathering.

• 扌(hand)RADICAL
• 合(gather together; assemble)PHONO-SEMANTIC

Using hands to pick up scattered fallen things and gather them into one place.