Jizi in Poor Clothing

During the Warring States Period, Su Qin, a persuasive speaker, planned to enter Qin State. He wanted to persuade King Hui of Qin to implement the strategy of“Horizontal Alliance” to deal with other countries.

In Zhao State, Li Dui, Lord of Feng Yang, presented to him“pearl of the bright moonlight, Jade of Heshi, garment of sable fur, and gold of a hundred Yi.”

When he arrived in Qin State, he failed to persuade the King after ten times of offering the memorial to the throne for support. He had worn out the garment of sable fur and used up all the gold, so he had to leave Qin dejectedly.

We often use this idiom to indicate the state of being ragged, tired, poor and exhausted. Later, we employ it to indicate the condition of having genius unrecognized.

It tells us that everyone will meet difficulties or hardships in our life and it is a good test to one's will and soul. So when falling into trouble, we should make greater efforts in order to succeed.