Yī shīzú chéng qiāngǔ hèn;* (zài huítóu shì bǎinián shēn).

一失足成千古恨, (再回頭是百年身)。

Lit One single slip may cause everlasting sorrow; (to go back [and correct it, one would have to be a] hundred year [old] body).

Fig One false step can bring everlasting grief. A moment's error can bring a lifetime of regret.

Note [Rhyme; cf. Suí Táng Yǎnyì, chap. 65; see also yīzhāo shīzú below; note: bǎinián zhī hòu, “after someone's death.”]

Topics bǎinián zhī hòu MISTAKES REGRET rhyme Suí_Táng_Yǎnyì