expression
when the enemy is defeated, the victorious soldiers can be killed off; when the nimble rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked
A classical Chinese-derived proverb warning that those who serve a purpose may be discarded once that purpose is fulfilled. The literal meaning is 'when the nimble rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked'.
狡兎死して走狗烹らるというが、彼は会社に尽くした後、あっさり解雇された。
As the saying goes, 'When the nimble rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked'; after he had devoted himself to the company, he was unceremoniously fired.
From classical Chinese literature, often attributed to the Han dynasty strategist Han Xin. The phrase is a metaphorical warning about the fate of those who outlive their usefulness.