To exploit someone's misfortune or difficult situation by making it worse; to take advantage of someone's vulnerability and cause further harm.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Tang Dynasty, Liu Zongyuan, a prominent Censor Grandee, was demoted to the Prefect of Liuzhou due to some political missteps. He died in Liuzhou, feeling dejected and unfulfilled.
His good friend, the renowned literary master Han Yu, was deeply upset by the injustice. He felt that Liu Zongyuan had been slandered and attacked by petty individuals who took advantage of his downfall. To commemorate Liu Zongyuan and condemn such malicious behavior, Han Yu wrote a powerful epitaph.
In it, he not only praised his friend but also vehemently exposed those who 'fell into a well and threw stones,' meaning they seized the opportunity to harm Liu Zongyuan when he was already in a vulnerable position. Han Yu also used this story to caution the world against those who outwardly appear loyal and trustworthy but are quick to betray and exploit others' misfortunes.