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수주대토 守株待兔
The folly of waiting for a stroke of luck instead of putting in the necessary effort.
수주대토 (守株待兔) means "The folly of waiting for a stroke of luck instead of putting in the necessary effort.". Originating from the 'Wudu' chapter of Han Feizi, the story tells of a farmer in the State of Song.
1 Meaning
수주대토 (守株待兔) means “The folly of waiting for a stroke of luck instead of putting in the necessary effort.”.
Suju-daeto (守株待兔) literally means 'guarding a tree stump to wait for a rabbit.' it serves as a metaphor for the foolishness of relying on accidental luck or rigidly clinging to outdated methods without taking action.
The Western Equivalent
No exact match — here's why
No direct English equivalent. From the tale of a farmer who, after a rabbit chanced to run into a tree stump and die, abandoned his fields to wait for another — it mocks trusting to a one-off stroke of luck instead of working. "Waiting for lightning to strike twice" is the closest image.
2 Examples
A job seeker relies solely on a successful application strategy from several years ago that no longer aligns with current industry trends.
They ignore the evolving corporate landscape and repeatedly submit resumes based on outdated credentials.
An investor who once made a windfall profit from a lucky cryptocurrency or stock trade waits for another 'jackpot' without doing any research.
They hold onto investments based on baseless rumors and past luck rather than conducting thorough data analysis.
A business owner who once had a viral hit product refuses to change their menu despite an increase in local competition and declining sales.
They wait for customers to return on their own without developing new products or improving service to meet changing consumer needs.
Which situation fits this idiom?
Pick the everyday scene where “수주대토” fits best.
3 Origin
4 Key Lessons
Past coincidental luck does not guarantee future success; one should never rely on mere chance.
Clinging to obsolete ways while failing to adapt to changing times is a fast track to failure.
True achievement is earned through proactive effort and constant movement, not passive waiting.
5 English Expression
English Vocabulary
motion
움직임, 동작
"Success is achieved through constant motion, not just wishing."
gain
이득, 성취
"He worked hard all day for personal gain and experience."
hesitate
주저하다, 망설이다
"Do not hesitate when an opportunity comes your way."
deflate
기운이 빠지다, 수축하다
"Don't let one failure deflate your passion for music."
6 Learn with Music
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수주대토
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