To waste all previous efforts; to lose all one's past achievements or gains; to have all one's hard work come to nothing.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the late Warring States period, Su Li, a master of diplomatic strategy, went to persuade King Hao of Zhou to stop Bai Qi, a great general of Qin, from attacking Daliang, the capital of Wei. Su Li warned that if Daliang fell, the Zhou dynasty would be in danger.
He then cited the example of Yang Youji, a famous archer from Chu, known for his incredible accuracy. Su Li said that even if Yang Youji hit the target 99 times, a single missed arrow would render all his previous successes useless, making all his efforts for naught.
However, Bai Qi ignored Su Li's advice and continued his military campaigns of conquest.