Chinese word

守株待兔

Pronunciation

Pinyinshǒu zhū dài tù

Meaning

  • idiomwait passively for luck

Example

我们不能守株待兔，要主动找机会。wǒ men bù néng shǒu zhū dài tù yào zhǔ dòng zhǎo jī huì

We cannot wait passively for luck; we need to actively look for opportunities.

Illustration for 守株待兔 (wait passively for luck)

More examples

学生应改掉守株待兔的习惯，多参加实践与训练。xué shēng yīng gǎi diào shǒu zhū dài tù de xí guàn duō cān jiā shí jiàn yǔ xùn liàn

Students should break the habit of waiting passively for luck and take part in more hands-on practice and training.

Core concept

A person treats one accidental success as a source that will keep producing results without further effort.

Common phrases

  • 改掉守株待兔的习惯gǎi diào shǒu zhū dài tù de xí guàn

    break the habit of waiting passively for luck

  • 走出守株待兔的困境zǒu chū shǒu zhū dài tù de kùn jìng

    escape the predicament of waiting passively for luck

Similar words

不劳而获bù láo ér huò: Get benefits or results without making the effort needed to earn them.
坐享其成zuò xiǎng qí chéng: Enjoy the results of other people's work without contributing the effort oneself.
得过且过dé guò qiě guò: Let problems remain unresolved and muddle through each situation as it comes.
碌碌无为lù lù wú wéi: Spend time making little progress and achieving nothing important or notable.

Definition in Chinese

比喻不主动努力，只消极等待偶然的机会，带有贬义。bǐ yù bù zhǔ dòng nǔ lì zhǐ xiāo jí děng dài ǒu rán de jī huì dài yǒu biǎn yì

Word origin

守株待兔 (shǒuzhūdàitù, "wait by the stump for rabbits") is based on the Han Feizi tale of a farmer who waited at the place where a rabbit had unexpectedly been caught instead of continuing to farm.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may use "wait for luck" neutrally, but this Chinese idiom normally signals disapproval of relying on a chance event.

Other meanings

  • sit on one's handsidiom
  • watch from the sidelinesidiom

Opposites

  • 奋勇争先fèn yǒng zhēng xiānstrive bravely to take the leadidiom

Word lists with this word