An arrow shot from a powerful crossbow, having reached the end of its flight, loses its force. This idiom is a metaphor for a once mighty force or influence that has greatly diminished and can no longer achieve its intended effect.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the sixth year of Emperor Wu of Western Han's Jianyuan era (135 BCE), the Xiongnu sought peace. Emperor Wu convened his ministers to discuss the matter.
Wang Hui, the Grand Minister, a native of Yan, had frequently served in border prefectures and was well-acquainted with the Xiongnu's situation. He suggested that although Han and Xiongnu had made peace treaties before, the Xiongnu usually broke them within a few years. He proposed that they should not agree to peace but instead dispatch troops to attack them.
Han Anguo responded, 'Sending troops thousands of li to fight is disadvantageous for our army. Moreover, the Xiongnu now rely on their abundant cavalry, possessing a beast-like nature, moving like flocks of birds, making them difficult to control. Even if we gain their land, it's not worth considering it an expansion of our territory; possessing their people is not worth considering it a strengthening of our power. Since ancient times, they have never genuinely submitted to the Han. If the Han army travels thousands of li to contend for gains, both men and horses will be exhausted. The enemy, well-rested, will take advantage of our fatigue to win.
Furthermore, even a powerful crossbow's arrow, at the very end of its flight, cannot pierce the thinnest white silk produced in Lu; even a strong wind, in its final moments, cannot lift a goose feather. It is not that their initial power was insufficient, but rather that by the end, their strength had waned. Therefore, sending troops to attack the Xiongnu is truly disadvantageous. It would be better to make peace with them.'
Most of the attending ministers agreed with Han Anguo, and thus the Emperor decided to agree to peace with the Xiongnu.