晚节不终 Fail to maintain integrity in old age
Explanation
指晚年不能保持好的品德和节操。
Refers to someone who cannot maintain good morals and integrity in old age.
Origin Story
历史上，许多名臣武将年轻时意气风发，建功立业，但在晚年却因贪图享乐或其他原因而行为不端，最终晚节不终，令人叹息。例如，明朝的于谦，一生为国效力，却在政治斗争中被冤杀，虽然名声最终得以平反，但这未能挽回他被冤杀的结局，也算是一种晚节不终。而另一种情况，则是像一些功成名就的官员或将军在晚年沉迷于享乐，不思进取，甚至贪赃枉法，这同样是晚节不终的表现。总之，晚节不终是人们对那些在人生最后阶段失去自我约束，不能保持良好品德的行为的警示和批评。
Throughout history, many famous officials and generals were full of vigor and made great achievements in their youth. However, in their old age, they often indulged in pleasure or behaved improperly for other reasons, ultimately ending their lives poorly, causing regret. For example, Yu Qian of the Ming Dynasty served his country his entire life, yet he was unjustly killed in political struggles. Although his reputation was eventually restored, this could not undo his unjust death, which can be seen as a negative end to his life. Another example involves successful officials or generals who became obsessed with pleasure in their old age, neglecting self-improvement and even engaging in corruption. This too is a sign of a poor ending. In short, a negative ending is a warning and criticism of those who in their final years lose self-control and fail to maintain good character.
Usage
多用于评价一个人晚年的行为和品德。
Mostly used to evaluate a person's behavior and character in old age.
Examples
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他年轻时清正廉洁，晚节却不幸不终。
tā niánqīng shí qīngzhèng liánjié, wǎnjié què bùxìng bù zhōng
He was honest and upright in his youth, but unfortunately, his later years were not blameless.
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这位老将军一生战功赫赫，晚节不终令人惋惜。
zhè wèi lǎo jiāngjūn yīshēng zhàngōng hè hè, wǎnjié bù zhōng lìng rén wǎnxī
This old general made brilliant achievements in his life, but his later years tarnished his reputation.