To be on one's last legs; to have one foot in the grave, referring to someone whose life is drawing to a close.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, a civil strife broke out in the state of Jin, forcing Princes Chong'er and Yiwu to flee to other states.
While in the state of Di, Chong'er married Ji Kui.
Prince Yiwu, with assistance from the state of Qin, returned to Jin to ascend the throne as Duke Hui of Jin, and subsequently attempted to assassinate Chong'er.
Chong'er once told Ji Kui that she should wait 25 years before remarrying. Ji Kui responded, 'By then, I will be nearing the coffin; what's the point of talking about remarrying?'
Later, with the help of the state of Qin, Chong'er successfully returned and became Duke Wen of Jin.