# 强弩之末

qiáng nǔ zhī mò

A formerly strong force has spent its energy

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** The final reach of a powerful crossbow bolt

**Traditional Chinese:** 強弩之末

**Register:** Evaluative · literary

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe power nearly exhausted after earlier strength.

Requires earlier momentum, not initial weakness.

## Understanding the expression

Even a powerful bolt loses force as its flight nears the end. The expression draws attention to energy already spent rather than the strength with which something began. Modern use describes tired competitors, fading campaigns, or institutions whose influence is weakening. It often predicts that further action will have little effect. The comparison concerns the present remaining capacity, so an earlier record of strength does not contradict it.

## Examples

球队已是强弩之末。

### Traditional Chinese

球隊已是強弩之末。

qiú duì yǐ shì qiáng nǔ zhī mò 。

The team has nearly exhausted its strength.

连夜工作后，他成了强弩之末。

### Traditional Chinese

連夜工作後，他成了強弩之末。

lián yè gōng zuò hòu ， tā chéng le qiáng nǔ zhī mò 。

After working overnight, he was spent.

促销到了强弩之末，效果很小。

### Traditional Chinese

促銷到了強弩之末，效果很小。

cù xiāo dào le qiáng nǔ zhī mò ， xiào guǒ hěn xiǎo 。

The promotion has run out of force and has little effect.

对手虽猛，已近强弩之末。

### Traditional Chinese

對手雖猛，已近強弩之末。

duì shǒu suī měng ， yǐ jìn qiáng nǔ zhī mò 。

Though aggressive, the opponent is nearly exhausted.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%BC%B7%E5%BC%A9%E4%B9%8B%E6%9C%AB)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=159&webMd=1&la=0)

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