To help each other out of mutual difficulty, especially when both are in dire straits, often implying a shared struggle and reliance.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Warring States period, Zhuangzi lived in extreme poverty, often not having enough food for the next meal. His wife urged him to borrow grain, so he went to Jianhe Hou (the Marquis of Jianhe) for help.
Jianhe Hou promised to lend him grain after the autumn harvest. Zhuangzi remarked that 'distant water cannot quench immediate thirst' and returned home.
His wife then asked him to seek help elsewhere. Zhuangzi replied that they should live like the carp in a dried-up rut, 'mutually moistening each other with their saliva' to survive.
Hearing this, his wife could only weep secretly, understanding their dire situation and the need for mutual support.