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老而不死是为贼
老而不死是为贼
老而不死是为贼
老而不死是为贼
老而不死是为贼
老而不死是为贼
老而不死是为贼
老而不死是为贼

lǎo老ér而bù不sǐ死shì是wéi为zéi贼

A derogatory saying used to criticize an old person who lacks virtue, integrity, or has become a burden, suggesting they are living too long without contributing positively.

邻里间有一位老先生,总是喜欢对晚辈指手画脚,言语刻薄,大家私下都觉得他真是老而不死是为贼。
There was an old man in the neighborhood who always liked to point fingers and speak harshly to the younger generation; everyone privately felt that he was truly "old but not dead is a thief."

Era:

Ancient

Frequency:

Synonym:

老而不死

Story:

During the Spring and Autumn period, Yuan Rang's mother passed away. Instead of showing sorrow, he sang. His old friend Confucius believed he did not understand propriety.

Later, when Confucius came to visit him, Yuan Rang sat sprawled on his mat with his legs stretched out.

Confucius rebuked him, saying: "When you were young, you were neither humble nor respectful; when you grew up, you did nothing commendable; and now that you are old, if you still don't die, you will become a harmful nuisance."

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