chī​lǎo​běn

to live off one's capital

Senses

吃老本 chī​lǎo​běn to live off one's capital

Originally of a merchant: to spend one's principal or capital to cover losses or maintain oneself

吃老本 chī​lǎo​běn to rest on one's laurels

To rely on past achievements, seniority, or skills rather than making new progress or learning new things

References

see 老本儿/老本兒 吃老本/吃老本