竭泽而渔 to fish out a pond
Explanation
比喻只顾眼前利益,不顾长远打算,最终将资源耗尽。
A metaphor that only considers short-term interests and ignores long-term plans, ultimately leading to the depletion of resources.
Origin Story
春秋时期,晋文公向两位谋士询问如何才能战胜强大的楚国军队。狐偃建议采取欺骗战术,而雍季则反对,他认为这种做法如同竭泽而渔,虽然可以暂时获得胜利,但最终会损害长远利益,最终建议采取实力对抗。晋文公采纳了雍季的建议,最终取得了胜利,也明白了可持续发展的道理。
During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Wen of Jin asked two strategists how to defeat the powerful Chu army. Hu Yan suggested using a deceptive tactic, while Yong Ji opposed it, arguing that this approach is like fishing out a pond, resulting in short-term gain but long-term harm. Yong Ji suggested a direct confrontation instead. Duke Wen adopted Yong Ji's strategy, eventually achieving victory and understanding the importance of sustainable development.
Usage
多用于批评不顾长远利益,只图眼前利益的行为。
Often used to criticize behaviors that ignore long-term interests in favor of short-term gains.
Examples
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为了眼前利益,竭泽而渔,最终只会损害长远利益。
wèile yǎnqián lìyì, jiézé'éryú, zuìzhōng zhǐ huì sǔnhài chángqí lìyì.
For the sake of immediate gain, to fish out a pond is to eventually harm long-term interests.
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过度开发资源,如同竭泽而渔,最终资源枯竭,得不偿失。
guòdù kāifā zīyuán, rútóng jiézé'éryú, zuìzhōng zīyuán kūjié, děbù chángshī.
Overexploitation of resources is like fishing out a pond, eventually leading to resource depletion and losses.
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企业发展不能竭泽而渔,要注重可持续发展。
qǐyè fāzhǎn bùnéng jiézé'éryú, yào zhùzhòng kě chíxù fāzhǎn.
Business development should not only focus on short-term profits, but also on sustainable development.