覆水难收 — “A situation that is irreversible”

The idiom "Fù Shuǐ Nán Shōu" (覆水难收) means that spilled water cannot be gathered up, signifying an irreversible situation or something that is beyond recovery. This idiom originated from a story found in "Yeke Congshu" (野客丛书) by Wang Tao of the Song Dynasty.

During the late Shang Dynasty, there was a sagacious figure named Jiang Shang, also known as Jiang Taigong (姜太公). He assisted King Wen and King Wu of Zhou in overthrowing the Shang Dynasty and establishing the Zhou Dynasty, thus achieving great merit. He was later enfeoffed in Qi, becoming the progenitor of the Qi state during the Spring and Autumn period.

Jiang Taigong once served as an official in the Shang Dynasty but, dissatisfied with King Zhou's tyrannical rule, he resigned and lived in seclusion by the Wei River in Shaanxi. To gain the attention and trust of Ji Chang (later King Wen of Zhou), the leader of the Zhou tribe, he often ostentatiously fished by a small river using a straight hook without bait.

As Jiang Taigong spent all his time fishing, his family's livelihood suffered. His wife, Ma Shi, scorned his poverty and lack of ambition, unwilling to continue living with him, and demanded a divorce. Jiang Taigong repeatedly pleaded with her, promising that he would one day achieve wealth and status. However, Ma Shi believed he was speaking empty words and did not trust him at all. Left with no choice, Jiang Taigong reluctantly allowed her to leave.

Later, Jiang Taigong eventually earned the trust and respect of King Wen, and subsequently helped King Wu unite the various feudal lords to conquer the Shang Dynasty, establishing the Western Zhou Dynasty. He became rich and powerful. Upon seeing his newfound wealth and high status, Ma Shi deeply regretted her earlier decision to leave him. She sought out Jiang Taigong, requesting to reconcile and resume their marital relationship.

However, Jiang Taigong had seen through Ma Shi's character. Unwilling to reconcile, he poured a pot of water onto the ground and instructed her to collect it. Ma Shi quickly knelt down to gather the water, but could only scoop up some muddy residue. Jiang Taigong then coldly told her, "You have already left me, and we cannot be reunited. This is just like the water poured on the ground; it can never be collected again!"