Basic Information
Chinese Idiom: 鸟尽弓藏
Pinyin: niǎo jìn gōng cáng
Literal Meaning: When all birds are gone, the bows are put away.
Figurative Meaning: Abandon or betray those who have offered help once the goal is achieved. Historically, it particularly referred to rulers dismissing or even killing meritorious officials after seizing power.
Cultural Background
This idiom is a classic metaphor reflecting a cruel social phenomenon in ancient times. In hunting, bows and hounds are no longer needed once prey is caught. Extended to human society, it criticizes ungrateful people who discard their helpers after success. It is often paired with the phrase “cunning hares dead, hunting dogs cooked” to emphasize ingratitude and betrayal.
Origin & Translation
- From Wenzi · Superior Virtue:
When cunning hares are caught, hunting dogs are killed; when high-flying birds are all shot down, powerful crossbows 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 “兔死狗烹” – “After the hare is dead, the dog is cooked.”)
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
It is a derogatory idiom. Used to condemn ungrateful acts of abandoning former helpers and loyal contributors after accomplishing objectives.
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.
Related English equivalents
- 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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