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未雨绸缪

Wèi yǔ chóu móu
Repair the roof before it rains.

Before it rains, bind and repair (the roof).

This saying advises preparation and foresight: take action t...

This saying advises preparation and foresight: take action to prevent problems before they occur. It emphasizes the wisdom of planning ahead rather than reacting to crises.

This idiom comes from the ancient Chinese classic 'The Book of Songs' (诗经). It reflects the deep cultural value placed on prudence and proactive thinking, especially in agriculture and governance.

Someone might say this when advising a friend to save money, prepare for emergencies, or plan a project carefully in advance rather than waiting until problems arise.

This saying encapsulates the Chinese cultural preference for prevention over cure. It signals that wise people think ahead and that being prepared is a sign of maturity and responsibility, not anxiety.

#wisdom #caution #success

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