Life is unpredictable — good or bad luck can change in an instant. It reminds people to stay humble in good times and resilient in bad times.
This phrase often appears alongside '天有不测风云' (heaven has unpredictable winds and clouds). It reflects a fatalistic yet practical Chinese worldview that accepts uncertainty as a natural part of life.
Chinese people use this to cultivate emotional equanimity. It's a way to comfort others in crisis and to caution the proud, reminding everyone that circumstances are fleeting and one should not be overly attached to either success or failure.
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