To gain something that appears to be an advantage or benefit but is actually worthless, useless, or even a burden; like acquiring a barren or unproductive field.
他以为得到了一个大项目，结果却发现困难重重，根本无利可图，简直是如获石田。
He thought he had secured a major project, but it turned out to be fraught with difficulties and completely unprofitable; it was truly like gaining a stony field.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, a war broke out between the State of Lu and the State of Qi. Duke Ai of Lu requested King Fuchai of Wu to send troops for support.
Upon learning this, King Goujian of Yue immediately went to Wu to pay homage and offered many gifts.
Wu Zixu, fully understanding King Goujian's intentions, advised King Fuchai against sending troops. He argued that even if Qi were defeated, it would be 'like gaining a stony field' (如获石田), and that the State of Yue was the true heartland threat to Wu.
Next Idiom