This saying describes the deepest form of gratitude, promising to repay a favor even after death, through supernatural or extraordinary means. It is used to express an unbreakable sense of indebtedness and loyalty to someone who has shown great kindness.
The saying comes from two ancient stories: one where a man ties grass to help a ghost in battle, and another where a man finds a ring in a bird's mouth as a reward for saving its life. Both are about repaying kindness beyond normal human obligation.
This saying elevates gratitude to a sacred duty, signaling that the speaker is morally serious and will never forget a favor. It is a powerful social bond, creating an almost unbreakable tie between the giver and receiver of kindness.
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