To grow old without achieving anything significant; to lament one's wasted years and lack of accomplishment as age increases.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Xian of Jin was determined to annex the state of Guo but lacked a suitable route to reach it. His minister, Xun Xi, suggested offering valuable horses and precious jade to the state of Yu in exchange for passage through its territory.
Duke Xian, though pained to part with such treasures, agreed. Jin then effortlessly conquered Guo.
Immediately afterward, Xun Xi advised attacking Yu, thus recovering the jade and the fine horses, which by then had merely grown a few more teeth (i.e., had aged slightly). The horses had merely gotten older without serving a grand purpose for the Jin state in their 'loan' period, leading to the idiom's meaning of one's age increasing without achieving anything substantial.