臨淵羨魚,不如退而結網

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Chinese

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to stand on the edge of a pool and idly long for fish; to wish for something good but take no action to obtain it; irresoluteness
to be not like; to be not equal to; to be not as good as
to be not like; to be not equal to; to be not as good as; cannot compare to; to be inferior to
 
retreat; to decline; to move back
retreat; to decline; to move back; to withdraw
 
and; as well as; but (not)
and; as well as; but (not); yet (not); (shows causal relation); (shows change of state); (shows contrast)
 
knot; sturdy; to bear (fruit)
knot; sturdy; to bear (fruit); bond; to tie; to bind
 
net; network
trad. (臨淵羨魚,不如退而結網) 臨淵羨魚 不如 退
simp. (临渊羡鱼,不如退而结网) 临渊羡鱼 不如 退
Literally: “Rather than long for fish next to a pool, it would be better to go home and weave a net.”

Pronunciation

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Proverb

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臨淵羨魚,不如退而結網

  1. One should take practical steps to achieve one's aim.