An experienced person is familiar with a situation or task and can provide reliable guidance, much like an old horse knows the way.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
The idiom "Lao Ma Shi Tu" (老马识途), meaning "an old horse knows the way," originates from the ancient Chinese text "Han Feizi: Shuo Lin Shang." During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Huan of Qi led an expedition against the state of Guzhu. His trusted ministers, Guan Zhong and Xi Peng, accompanied him.
The campaign lasted from spring until winter. On their return journey, as the seasons had changed and the landscape looked different, the army lost its way in a complex mountainous region. They wandered deep within a valley, unable to find the exit, and their supplies began to dwindle, causing great concern.
Guan Zhong, after much thought, proposed a solution. He observed that even animals like dogs could find their way home, and believed that old horses, being more experienced, would certainly remember the paths they had once traversed. He suggested to Duke Huan, "Your Majesty, I believe old horses possess the wisdom to recognize paths. Let us release some old horses and follow them; they might lead us out of this predicament."
Duke Huan approved the idea. Guan Zhong immediately selected several old horses, untied their reins, and let them walk freely at the head of the army. To everyone's astonishment, these old horses walked purposefully in a particular direction. The entire army followed them closely, and eventually, they successfully navigated out of the winding mountain trails and found the main road back to Qi.
This story gave rise to the idiom "Lao Ma Shi Tu," which is used to describe how experienced individuals are familiar with situations or tasks and can provide valuable guidance.