人为财死，鸟为食亡

人为财死，鸟为食亡

Literally means:

men will die for wealth as birds for food

Actually means:

According to an ancient fable, a man was scorched to death in the intense sunshine for being greedy for money, and later it was found that the same thing happened to a bird that was greedy for food.

This phrase is now used to indicate that human beings would do everything for money or that people, in order to get money, are ready to sacrifice even their lives. It is often used to satirize those who recklessly run after money or to advise people not to be greedy for money. Derogatory.

古代的寓言故事说，一个人因贪财被太阳晒死之后，又发生了一只鸟因贪吃也被太阳晒死的惨剧。

后人用这个故事指人生在世，做一切事情都是为了钱财，或指人为了追求金钱，连生命都可以不要。常用来挖苦为钱而不顾一切的人，或劝告人们不要贪财。具有贬义色彩。