chi dorme non piglia pesci

/ki ˈdɔrme non ˈpiʎʎa ˈpeʃʃi/proverb
opportunity favours the active

Se vuoi trovare un buon lavoro, non restare a letto tutto il giorno: chi dorme non piglia pesci!

If you want to find a good job, don't stay in bed all day: opportunity favours the active!


What It Really Means
Opportunity favours those who take action rather than remaining passive.
Literal Meaning
He who sleeps catches no fish.
Literal Breakdown
chi dormewho sleeps+non piglia pescidoes not catch fish
Mental Image
A sleeping person missing out on the chance to catch fish, symbolizing missed opportunities due to inaction.
When to Use
Encouraging a friend to apply for a job opportunity instead of waiting for something to come to them.
Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the traditional Italian value of hard work and initiative, often tied to rural and agricultural life where early action was crucial for survival and success.
informal

Opportunity favours those who take action rather than waiting passively.

Non puoi aspettare che le cose accadano da sole, chi dorme non piglia pesci!

You can't wait for things to happen on their own; opportunity favours the active!

Often used to encourage someone to seize opportunities rather than procrastinate.

Related Phrases

il mattino ha l'oro in boccaproverb
the early bird catches the worm

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this proverb when someone is procrastinating or missing out on opportunities due to inaction. It’s a gentle nudge to encourage effort and initiative.

Word Origin

The proverb dates back to ancient agricultural societies where early risers could gather more fish or food. The literal meaning ('he who sleeps catches no fish') reflects the practical wisdom of staying active to achieve goals.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in motivational or advisory contexts to urge action. The phrase is often shortened to 'chi dorme non piglia pesci' in informal speech.

Word Breakdown

chi
who
pronoun
+
dorme
sleeps
verb
+
non piglia
does not catch
verb phrase
+
pesci
fish
noun
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese