In the Spring and Autumn Period the ruler of the State of Jin gave an order to build a nine-storey-high terrace as a pleasure resort. The construction had taken three years and was yet far from completion. Moreover, it was depleting the manpower and financial resources of the state. But the ruler said, "He who dares to remonstrate shall be executed." Having heard of this, one of the courtiers of Jin, Xun Xi, requested an audience. The ruler granted him the interview angrily, and sat on his throne with a bow and arrow in hand. Xun Xi said, "I dare not try to dissuade Your Highness, but I wish to show you I can pile up 12 chess pieces one upon another, and add furthermore nine eggs, one on top of the other on top of them." The ruler said, "Please demonstrate." Xun Xi then calmed himself, and focused his mind. He piled up the chess pieces as he had said, and then put nine eggs on top of them one on top of the other. All the onlookers held their breath in suspense. The ruler was so nervous that he felt suffocated. "That is most precarious," he exclaimed. Xun Xi replied, "No, this not really precarious. There is something even more precarious than this." Xun Xi continued, "It has taken three years so far to build the nine-storey terrace for Your Highness, and it is still not complete. Men have given up farming, and women have stopped weaving. The manpower and financial resources of the state are virtually exhausted. As a consequence, neighboring states are preparing to take advantage of our weakness and attack us. Our state is about to perish. What could be more precarious than that?" Thereupon, the ruler came to realize his misconduct, and, after criticizing himself, gave an order to halt the construction work.

Later, the phrase came to apply to an extremely dangerous situation.