One year, we were preparing for a major inter-school competition. My students were talented but nervous, unsure of how to approach the challenges ahead.
Thankfully, we had Mrs. Huang, a retired teacher who had guided many teams through the same competition in the past.
Mrs. Huang joined our practice sessions, offering insights and calmly leading the team. She knew exactly which strategies would work, based on years of experience.
Her advice, always practical and reassuring, kept us focused and helped us avoid common mistakes. This was 老馬識途 (lǎo mǎ shí tú) in action, showing how the wisdom of an experienced guide can make all the difference when facing new challenges.
In this article, we’ll explore the full meaning, history, and usage of 老馬識途 and why seasoned guidance is so highly valued.
Definition of 老馬識途
Traditional Chinese: 老馬識途
Simplified Chinese: 老马识途
Pinyin: lǎo mǎ shí tú
English Translation: “An old horse knows the way”
Defintion: This idiom means that an experienced person is reliable and knowledgeable in guiding others or handling familiar tasks. 老馬 (old horse) symbolizes someone with a lot of experience, while 識途 (knows the way) refers to understanding the path or method. Together, the idiom conveys that experienced individuals can be trusted to lead or provide insight based on their accumulated knowledge and expertise.
History of 老馬識途
The idiom 老馬識途 comes from a story found in “Han Feizi” (韓非子), specifically from the chapter Shuo Lin Shang.
During the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Huan of Qi (齊桓公) embarked on a military campaign against the kingdom of Guzhu, accompanied by his trusted ministers Guan Zhong (管仲) and Xi Peng (隰朋). On their return journey, they became lost in unfamiliar terrain.
Guan Zhong suggested releasing the old horses they had with them, reasoning that these animals, having traveled the route before, would remember the way. The army followed the old horses and successfully found their path home
Modern Usage of 老馬識途
In modern Mandarin, 老馬識途 is frequently used to describe individuals who are experienced and well-versed in certain fields or tasks. This idiom highlights the value of seeking guidance from those who have accumulated knowledge over time and can lead others effectively due to their familiarity with the challenges involved.
In professional settings, 老馬識途 might be used to refer to a veteran employee or an expert whose insights are trusted when navigating complex projects or making important decisions.
For instance, during a business strategy meeting, a manager might refer to a seasoned colleague as 老馬識途 when seeking advice on market trends or difficult negotiations.
The idiom is also used in daily life when emphasizing the importance of relying on experienced individuals in various situations, such as mentoring younger team members, guiding a project, or even giving practical advice in social contexts.
The phrase has a positive connotation, suggesting not only expertise but also trustworthiness and reliability. It underscores the cultural respect for age and experience, reflecting the belief that those who have “been there, done that” offer valuable wisdom.
3 Example Sentences of 老馬識途
- 在這個複雜的專案中，我們需要一位老馬識途的專家來引導方向。
- 團隊裡的老同事老馬識途，總是能在關鍵時刻提供寶貴的意見。
- 這次的旅途很艱難，但有他這位老馬識途的領隊，大家都放心。
- Zài zhège fùzá de zhuān’àn zhōng, wǒmen xūyào yī wèi lǎo mǎ shí tú de zhuānjiā lái yǐndǎo fāngxiàng.
- Tuánduì lǐ de lǎo tóngshì lǎo mǎ shí tú, zǒng shì néng zài guānjiàn shíkè tígōng bǎoguì de yìjiàn.
- Zhè cì de lǚtú hěn jiānnán, dàn yǒu tā zhè wèi lǎo mǎ shí tú de lǐngduì, dàjiā dōu fàngxīn.
- 在这个复杂的项目中，我们需要一位老马识途的专家来引导方向。
- 团队里的老同事老马识途，总是能在关键时刻提供宝贵的意见。
- 这次的旅途很艰难，但有他这位老马识途的领队，大家都放心。
- In this complex project, we need an expert who knows the ropes to guide us in the right direction.
- The veteran in the team is experienced and always provides valuable advice at critical moments.
- This journey is difficult, but with him as our experienced leader, everyone feels reassured.
You’ve just learned 老馬識途, an idiom that highlights the power of experience and the wisdom that comes with it.
Remember, relying on seasoned guidance can make navigating challenges smoother and more effective. Whether you’re tackling complex projects or learning new skills, seeking the advice of those who have “been there, done that” can lead to better outcomes.
If you enjoyed learning this idiom and want to expand your knowledge, check out this list of 20 useful idioms to deepen your understanding of Chinese expressions and enhance your language skills.
Keep exploring, and trust in the process—each new idiom brings you closer to language mastery!
