绝香火

绝香火

Literally means:

be unable to burn the incense

Actually means:

have no heir

香火, the incense burned to worship gods, Buddha or ancestors.

This phrase means that a family has no (male) heir to continue one's bloodline or to inherit one's skills or undertakings. It also describes a temple without pilgrims burning the incense in worship.

香火，拜神拜佛或拜祭祖先时点燃的香。

绝香火，指某个人家没有后代，或技艺、事业没有继承人。也指寺庙没有烧香拜佛的人。