百岁老人攀枯枝

百岁老人攀枯枝

Literally means:

a centenarian climbs on a withered branch

Actually means:

Withered tree branches break easily, and a person who climbs on such branch may fall from it at any moment. What if that person happens to be a very old man? The consequence may be even more severe. This phrase figuratively describes a very dangerous thing or situation. It is an exaggerated saying.

枯了的树枝容易折断，攀着它的人随时都有掉下的危险，要是从枯枝上掉下来的是老人，后果就会更严重了。比喻做非常危险的事情，或处于很危急的境地。表示极为危险，有夸张的意味。