IdiomNature
Thai
Thaiน้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก
Meaning: Seize an opportunity while it lasts.
Literally: When the water rises, hurry to scoop it
Example: “ร้านลดราคาครึ่งหนึ่งวันนี้วันเดียว น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก” — The shop is half price today only; jump at the chance.
English equivalent: To jump at the chance
Origin: "When the water rises, hurry to scoop it": along Thailand's rivers and canals, water was best drawn at high tide. The proverb means seizing an opportunity while it lasts, like English "make hay while the sun shines."
Equivalents in other languages
Hebrew: קופצים על המציאה (Kofsim al hamtsi'a) Literally: To jump on the bargain
Spanish: cazar al vuelo Literally: To hunt in flight
English: jump at the chance
More Thai idioms
- จับปลาสองมือ To chase two goals at once and risk losing both.
- ตำน้ำพริกละลายแม่น้ำ To squander resources for nothing.
- ขี่ช้างจับตั๊กแตน To use enormous means for a trivial result.
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