Meaning: An experienced person is familiar with a particular situation, and therefore is able to judge it accurately.
Source: From "Han Fei Zi--Comments on Various Topics from the Spring and Autumn Annals. "Guan Zhong accompanied Lord Huan of Qi in attacking Guzhu. Spring passed and winter returned, and they became lost on the wrong road. Guan Zhong said: 'We can use the wisdom of an old horse. Release the old horses and follow them, and thereby reach the right road.'"
1.In the Warring States Era, Lord Huan of the State of Qi sent forth troops to attack the State of Guzhu. An old minister named Guan Zhong, wily and experienced, accompanied the troops.
2.The fighting began in spring and continued on into winter. At one point, the Qi forces, unfamiliar with the terrain in Guzhu, lost their way.
3.Lord Huan ordered the column to halt and make camp in a valley. He sent out several scouts to find the right road.
4.However, the mountains were high, the gorges deep, and everywhere the scouts came upon impassable cliffs. No matter how many men were dispatched in every direction, no way out could be found.
5.Lord Huan became very anxious. Then Guan Zhong came up with an idea: Release a number of old horses from their reins and let them roam free.
6.The Qi forces followed the old horses on and on, and eventually came to a way out.