To covet small gains and suffer great losses; to be penny wise and pound foolish.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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Story:
During the Warring States period, King Huiwen of Qin desired to annex the wealthy and fertile Shu Kingdom. A clever advisor suggested constructing stone oxen that appeared to excrete golden droppings and sending them as a gift to the Marquis of Shu.
The Marquis of Shu, swayed by the lure of small gains, fell for the trick. He ordered his laborers to clear mountains and fill valleys, constructing a grand road to welcome these auspicious stone oxen.
King Huiwen of Qin seized this opportunity, sending his large army to follow closely behind the procession transporting the stone oxen, effectively conquering the Shu Kingdom.
People mocked the Marquis of Shu, saying he coveted small gains and suffered a great loss.