On one's last gasp; barely breathing; at the point of death. Also, metaphorically, describing something in a state of extreme decline or near collapse, on the verge of extinction.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
After Emperor Wu of Jin unified the country, he promoted 'governing the empire with filial piety,' advocating respect for parents and elders.
He intended to appoint Li Mi, a minister from Western Shu, and thus issued an imperial edict naming Li Mi as a Chamberlain (Langzhong).
However, Li Mi was reluctant to become an official. He submitted a memorial to Emperor Wu of Jin, titled "Chen Qing Biao" (Memorial on My Situation), explaining that his grandmother was on her last gasp. He described how they were each other's sole companions, dependent on one another, and requested to serve as an official only after he had finished attending to his grandmother.