Definition
守株待兔 (shǒu zhū dài tù) is a Chinese idiom from a fable about a farmer who, after finding a rabbit that died by running into a tree stump, abandoned his work to wait daily for more rabbits, only to end up with nothing. Figuratively, it describes someone who passively waits for a lucky break instead of actively seeking opportunities or working. The idiom warns against relying on chance and idleness.
idiom
to trust to chance and wait idly for opportunities instead of taking initiative
phrase
(literal) to guard a tree stump waiting for rabbits — from the fable
Examples
- 守株待兔，。Wǒmen bùnéng shǒu zhū dài tù, bìxū zìjǐ chūqù zhǎo jīhuì.We can't just wait around for luck; we have to go out and find opportunities ourselves.
- 守株待兔。Tā zhè zhǒng shǒu zhū dài tù de xīntài ràng tā làngfèi le sān nián shíjiān.His mentality of waiting for a windfall cost him three wasted years.
- 守株待兔，。Bùyào zài shǒu zhū dài tù le, zhǔdòng qù liánxì kèhù ba.Stop waiting for things to come to you; take the initiative and contact clients.
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