All one's previous achievements or efforts are completely wasted or undone; all past work comes to naught.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
Towards the end of the Warring States period, Su Li, a master of diplomatic strategy, attempted to persuade King Hao of Zhou to prevent Qin's general Bai Qi from attacking Daliang, the capital of Wei.
Su Li warned that if Daliang were lost, the Zhou dynasty itself would be imperiled.
He then brought up the example of Yang Youji, a renowned archer from the State of Chu, who was famous for his perfect aim. Yang Youji could hit the target ninety-nine times, but if he missed just a single arrow, all his previous successes would be nullified.
However, Bai Qi disregarded Su Li's warnings and continued his campaigns of annexation.