📖 Meaning
A metaphor for seeking immediate gain without considering the consequences. Just as a snake that rushes forward in greed forgets its own tail, a person too eager for profit may neglect what follows behind. It warns against shortsighted recklessness.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the Song dynasty work 'Yuhu Qinghua' (玉壶清话) by the literatus Wen Ying. The text states, 'A greedy snake rushing forward will inevitably forget its tail.' Wen Ying used the image of a snake hurrying ahead and losing track of its own body to illustrate the folly of pursuing gain without regard for what one leaves behind. The phrase later condensed into the four-character idiom '贪蛇忘尾' as a warning against shortsighted greed.
💡 Example Usage
他为眼前的利益铤而走险，真是贪蛇忘尾，迟早要出事。
He takes desperate risks for immediate gain—truly like a greedy snake forgetting its tail; it is only a matter of time before trouble catches up with him.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 贪蛇忘尾
- Pinyin: tān shé wàng wěi
- Literal Translation: greedy, snake, forget, tail
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4