To live in a precarious state, not knowing what the future holds; to be in constant uncertainty or imminent danger, where survival itself is uncertain from day to day.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
Story:
After Emperor Wu of Jin unified the country, he promoted the principle of "governing with filial piety," advocating respect for parents and elders. He intended to appoint Li Mi, a Shangshu Lang from Western Shu, and issued an imperial decree commissioning Li Mi as a Langzhong.
Li Mi was reluctant to become an official, so he submitted a memorial titled "Chen Qing Biao" (Memorial of Plea).
In his plea, he stated that he and his grandmother were interdependent for survival, and her days were numbered, living in a precarious state (朝不保夕). He requested to attend to his grandmother first before taking on an official position.