守株待兔

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: shǒu zhū dài tù
• English Translation: To wait idly, to wait for a rabbit by a tree stump, to expect to gain without effort
• Idiom Composition: 「守」（To guard, to wait）＋「株」（Tree stump）＋「待」（To wait）＋「兔」（Rabbit）
• Meaning: An idiom that describes relying on accidental luck and neglecting effort. It also refers to clinging to old habits or past successes without progress or development.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「守株待兔」 contains the following nuances:

• Expectation of accidental luck: Expresses an attitude of trying to gain benefits through chance events without effort.
• Lack of effort: Refers to a passive attitude of not taking proactive action and just waiting.
• Unrealistic expectations: Means expecting luck that is unrealistic and unlikely to happen.
• Inflexibility: Used to criticize the attitude of clinging to past successes and refusing to try new methods.

3. Usage

「守株待兔」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Criticism and admonition: Used to criticize people or mindsets that neglect effort and rely on accidental luck.
  • Example:「他总是守株待兔，不主动去寻找工作机会。」
    （He always waits idly for luck and does not actively seek job opportunities.）
• Moral lesson: Used to teach the importance of effort and the folly of relying on chance.
  • Example:「这种守株待兔的态度，只会让你错失更多的机会。」
    （This kind of waiting idly for luck attitude will only cause you to miss more opportunities.）
• Describing situations: Used to describe situations where someone wastes time holding unrealistic expectations.
  • Example:「与其守株待兔，不如主动出击，寻找新的机会。」
    （Rather than waiting idly for luck, it is better to take initiative and seek new opportunities.）

Additional Examples:

1. 在竞争激烈的市场中，守株待兔是不可能成功的。
   （In a highly competitive market, you cannot succeed by waiting idly for luck.）
2. 他总是幻想着守株待兔，结果一事无成。
   （He always dreams of gaining without effort, but ends up accomplishing nothing.）
3. 学习外语不能守株待兔，要多听多说多练习。
   （Learning a foreign language cannot be done by waiting idly for luck; you must listen, speak, and practice a lot.）
4. 不要总是守株待兔，要积极创造机会。
   （You should not always wait idly for luck, but actively create opportunities.）
5. 他整天坐在家里守株待兔，希望天上掉馅饼。
   （He sits at home all day waiting idly for luck, hoping for a pie to fall from the sky.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• This idiom originates from a story in 'Han Feizi - Five Vermin', where a farmer in the Song dynasty accidentally caught a rabbit that ran into a tree stump, and since then stopped working and waited by the stump for rabbits.
• In traditional Chinese culture, diligence is a virtue, and relying on accidental luck is discouraged. '守株待兔' reflects these values.
• In modern times, it is used not only to describe waiting for luck but also to criticize clinging to old methods and being unable to adapt to change.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 坐享其成 (zuò xiǎng qí chéng): To enjoy the benefits of others' success without effort.
  • 不劳而获 (bù láo ér huò): To gain benefits without labor.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 自力更生 (zì lì gēng shēng): To rely on one's own efforts to live.
  • 勤能补拙 (qín néng bǔ zhuō): Diligence can make up for lack of talent.

6. Summary

'守株待兔' is an idiom originating from Chinese classics that illustrates the folly of expecting accidental luck without effort. Even in modern society, it is widely used as a lesson emphasizing the importance of steady effort and warning against unrealistic expectations. Additionally, in times of rapid change, it serves as a reminder to avoid clinging to old methods and to adapt flexibly. Understanding and properly using this idiom can enhance your Chinese expressive ability.