This saying suggests that ordinary effort alone rarely leads to great wealth; often, extraordinary or unexpected opportunities are needed. It reflects a pragmatic, sometimes cynical view that getting rich usually requires a stroke of luck or an unconventional move.
In traditional farming communities, horses were fed extra at night to build strength for heavy work. The parallel drawn to human wealth reflects a folk understanding that financial success often comes from timing, luck, or bold risk-taking rather than steady labor alone.
This saying acknowledges the role of luck and opportunity in financial success, which is a common topic in Chinese folk wisdom. It also carries a subtle warning: windfall wealth ('横财') is often seen as morally ambiguous, so the saying can be used both enviously and critically.
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