强弩之末

强弩之末

Literally means:

an arrow at the end of its flight

Actually means:

a spent force

弩 refers to a mechanical bow; 末 refers to the end of the ballistic curve.

This phrase means at the end of the flight of any powerful arrow, its force will be very weak. It figuratively means that a formerly powerful force is declining and coming to an end. It is a written or literary expression.

弩，借助机械射箭的弓。末，射程的最后部分。

强弩之末，强劲的弩弓所发的箭达到射程的末尾时，力量很弱了。比喻原来强大的力量已经到了衰竭的地步。具有书面色彩。