守株待兔
他整天守株待兔，指望天上掉馅饼，结果什么也没得到。
He spent all day waiting for luck instead of working, hoping for a windfall, and ended up with nothing.
to rely on luck or chance rather than making effort
有些人守株待兔，幻想一夜暴富，却忽视了自身能力的提升。
Some people wait for a windfall, dreaming of overnight riches, while neglecting to improve their own skills.
Often used to criticize passive or unrealistic expectations.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Context
This idiom reflects traditional Chinese values emphasizing diligence and self-reliance. It is often taught to children as a cautionary tale.
Gold Rule
Idiom Usage
Use '守株待兔' to describe someone who expects success without effort, not for literal situations involving trees or rabbits.
Word Origin
Originates from the Warring States period fable in 'Han Feizi' (《韩非子》) where a farmer, seeing a hare dash into a tree stump and die, waits daily for another hare to do the same, abandoning his farming.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in modern Chinese to describe people who rely on luck or external factors without taking action. Often carries a negative connotation.