Basic Information
Chinese Idiom: 兔死狗烹
Pinyin: tù sǐ gǒu pēng
Literal Meaning: After all hares are hunted down, the hunting hounds are boiled and eaten.
Figurative Meaning: Once a goal is accomplished, those who were used to achieve it are abandoned or even eliminated. It mainly refers to persecuting loyal and meritorious people.
Cultural Background
This idiom is closely linked with Niǎo Jìn Gōng Cáng (鸟尽弓藏). Both originated from ancient hunting scenes and became metaphors for ingratitude. In ancient feudal times, many rulers would get rid of heroes and officials who had helped them seize power out of fear of their influence. This phrase vividly exposes such ruthless and ungrateful conduct.
Origin & Translation
- From Wenzi · Superior Virtue:
When cunning hares are caught, hunting hounds are boiled; when all high-flying birds are gone, fine bows are stored away. - From Records of the Grand Historian · House of King Goujian of Yue:
This idiom comes from the Spring and Autumn Period (c. 5th century BCE), associated with two legendary figures: Fan Li and Wen Zhong.
After the victory, Fan Li quietly left the court. He sent a letter to Minister Wen Zhong from the State of Qi warning him:
“When the birds are gone, the bow is stored away; when the hares are dead, the hunting dog is boiled and eaten.”
(This is also the origin of the related idiom “鸟尽弓藏” – “When all birds are gone, the bows are put away.”)
Fan Li advised Wen Zhong to leave before the king turned on them. Wen Zhong ignored the warning, stayed, and was later forced by Goujian to commit suicide. Fan Li, on the other hand, escaped, became a wealthy merchant, and lived out his days peacefully.
Usage
Derogatory. It is used to criticize ungrateful leaders who harm their meritorious followers after success.
Key Lesson
Be careful of those who need you – they may not need you forever. The idiom warns talented people not to trust powerful leaders blindly. If you help someone achieve great success, watch for signs that you are becoming “the bow after the birds are gone.” Sometimes the wisest move is to step away early, like Fan Li.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, countless officials, generals, and advisers suffered this fate after helping emperors win thrones, like Han Xin, Wen Zhong, Bai Qi, Li Mu, Zhou Yafu, etc. The idiom reflects a deep distrust of absolute power – the idea that rulers who fear no external enemies will turn against their own most capable helpers. It is often quoted in political commentary, workplace advice, and even friendship betrayals.
Equivalent English Idioms
- Kick down the ladder
- Cast aside one’s helpers once success is won
- To kick someone to the curb
- To outlive one’s usefulness
- Disposable heroes
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