In "No Country for Old Men" by Cormac McCarthy, the quote emphasizes the futility of trying to reclaim what has been lost. The notion highlights how the effort to recover lost things often leads to even more loss. This relentless pursuit can drain one's resources and energy, ultimately resulting in feelings of despair as one watches other opportunities slip away.

The imagery of applying a "tourniquet" suggests a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding from continual losses. It reflects a sense of resignation to the fact that some things cannot be regained, and indicates a shift from trying to reclaim the past to merely trying to prevent further damage. In essence, McCarthy captures a profound truth about the struggle against time and loss, urging a focus on managing the present instead of lamenting what has been taken away.