pursue gains ahead, ignore danger behind
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind; to pursue immediate gains while ignoring imminent danger from behind
literaryOriginating from Zhuangzi (《庄子•山木》), this idiom warns against focusing solely on immediate benefits while remaining oblivious to potential threats or competitors lurking behind. Commonly used in strategic, political, or business contexts to describe short-sightedness.
He was bent on acquiring that company, unaware that while the mantis stalks the cicada, the oriole lurks behind—he too was being targeted by an even larger conglomerate.
In this power struggle, all parties must beware of pursuing gains while ignoring dangers behind, lest a third party reap the benefits.
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In life and work, one must not focus solely on immediate gains, but guard against situations where danger lurks behind while one pursues prey ahead.