一条道走到黑

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

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

• 木(tree; wood)RADICAL
• 夂(footstep; follow)ASSOCIATIVE

Tree branches droop down in successive steps like footprints, forming clauses or provisions.

• 辶(step; move)RADICAL
• 首(head; lead)PHONO-SEMANTIC

The head leads the way for feet to follow down a path.

• 土(earth; soil; ground; land)ASSOCIATIVE
• 止(foot; step)ASSOCIATIVE

A foot stepping on the ground is the image of running and walking.

• 至(arrive; reach)ASSOCIATIVE
• 刂(knife; blade (radical))RADICAL

A sword cutting through the destination is when you truly "arrive" at your goal.

• 黑(black; dark color (depicting a face blackened by smoke and fire))ASSOCIATIVE

A face covered by smoke and fire symbolizes the dark black color.