This warns against short-sighted hedonism. It describes someone who indulges in pleasure today without thought for tomorrow's consequences—and will suffer later.
The first half is a famous line from Chinese poetry celebrating carpe diem, but the second half is a folk addition that flips it into a cautionary tale. It reflects the Chinese value of planning ahead.
It uses vivid, earthy imagery to mock reckless behavior. The contrast between wine and cold water makes the lesson memorable and slightly humorous.
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
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