守株待兔
shǒu zhū dài tùTo wait passively for an opportunity without taking any action; to expect success without effort.
他总是守株待兔地等待机会，却从未付出任何努力。
He always waits passively for opportunities without putting in any effort.
守株待兔的态度不会带来成功。
A passive attitude of waiting for opportunities will not bring success.
This idiom originates from a fable about a farmer who waits by a tree stump for rabbits to run into it, symbolizing laziness and unrealistic expectations.
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💡Pro Tip
Usage Context
This idiom is often used in a negative context to describe someone who is not taking initiative or working hard.
⚡Gold Rule
Literal vs. Figurative
The literal meaning refers to waiting by a tree stump for rabbits, but the figurative meaning is about passive waiting for success.
📖Word Origin
The idiom comes from an ancient Chinese fable about a farmer who waits by a tree stump for rabbits to run into it, illustrating the futility of passive waiting.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is often used to criticize someone's lazy or unrealistic approach to achieving goals. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.