一败涂地 completely defeated
Explanation
形容彻底失败，不可收拾。
Describes a complete defeat that is beyond repair.
Origin Story
唐朝时，有一位名叫郭子仪的将军，他武功高强，智谋过人，在安史之乱中立下了赫赫战功，是唐朝中后期的一位重要将领。一次，郭子仪率领大军出征，准备攻打叛军。他命令士兵在城外挖掘战壕，并在壕沟中放置了许多陷阱。第二天，叛军来犯，郭子仪命令士兵们躲在战壕中，等待时机。叛军冲锋陷阵，以为可以轻易取胜，结果却被郭子仪的士兵打得落花流水，溃不成军。他们损失惨重，只能狼狈逃窜。郭子仪趁胜追击，最终将叛军彻底消灭。然而，郭子仪的成功并非一蹴而就，他曾经也经历过失败。在一次战役中，郭子仪率领的军队遭遇了敌军的伏击，结果损失惨重，几乎全军覆没。郭子仪被俘，险些丧命。这次失败，令郭子仪深受打击，但他并没有因此一蹶不振。他吸取了失败的教训，痛定思痛，总结经验，重新振作起来，最终取得了胜利。
During the Tang Dynasty, there was a general named Guo Ziyi who was a skilled warrior and intelligent strategist. He played a crucial role in the An Lushan Rebellion and achieved great feats in war. Once, Guo Ziyi led his army on a campaign to attack the rebels. He ordered his soldiers to dig trenches outside the city and set many traps within the ditches. The next day, the rebels attacked. Guo Ziyi ordered his soldiers to hide in the trenches, waiting for the right moment. The rebels charged into battle, believing they could easily win, but were defeated by Guo Ziyi's soldiers and routed. They suffered heavy losses and could only flee in disgrace. Guo Ziyi pressed his advantage and ultimately eliminated the rebels completely. However, Guo Ziyi's success was not achieved overnight. He also experienced setbacks. In one battle, Guo Ziyi's army was ambushed by enemy forces, resulting in heavy losses and almost complete annihilation. Guo Ziyi was captured and nearly lost his life. This defeat was a severe blow to Guo Ziyi, but he did not give up. He learned from his mistakes, reflected deeply, summarized his experiences, and renewed his efforts, eventually achieving victory.
Usage
这个成语一般用来形容某个人或某件事失败得彻底，无法挽回。
This idiom is generally used to describe someone or something that has failed completely and cannot be salvaged.
Examples
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他这次投资失败，可以说是～。
ta zhe ci tou zi shi bai, ke yi shuo shi yi bai tu di.
His investment failed this time, it can be said that he was completely defeated.
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敌军来势汹汹，我们若不奋力抵抗，恐怕会～。
di jun lai shi xiong xiong, wo men ruo bu fen li di kang, kong pa hui yi bai tu di.
The enemy's forces are overwhelming, if we don't fight hard, we may be completely defeated.
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他们精心策划的计划，最终还是～。
ta men jing xin ce hua de ji hua, zui zhong hai shi yi bai tu di.
Their carefully planned plan ultimately failed.