📖 Meaning
Refers to someone whose talents were recognized too late, when they were already advanced in age. It laments being born at the wrong time or missing one's opportunity due to old age. Equivalent to the idiom 'Feng Tang easily grows old.'
📜 Origin Story
Feng Tang was a Han Dynasty official who served through the reigns of Emperors Wen, Jing, and Wu. Despite his integrity and talent, he remained a low-ranking official for decades. When Emperor Wu finally sought to promote him as a worthy man, Feng Tang was already too old to take office. The phrase originates from Xun Yue's 'Han Ji' (汉纪), where the historian laments that under the enlightened rule of Emperor Wen, worthy men like Feng Tang grew old in obscurity at minor posts.
💡 Example Usage
他满腹经纶却冯唐白首，一生抱负终成泡影。
Though full of learning, he grew old without recognition, his lifelong ambitions ultimately coming to nothing.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 冯唐白首
- Pinyin: féng táng bái shǒu
- Literal Translation: Feng Tang, white head
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4