Catch that catch may.
Meaning: Seize opportunities opportunistically without moral judgment about methods or fairness of acquisition.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- Look to the main chance. — Prioritize opportunities that offer genuine benefit over distractions or minor advantages.
- Hasty climbers have sudden falls. — Rushing toward goals without careful planning or preparation invites disaster and setback.
- After clouds comes clear weather. — Difficult periods naturally pass, revealing better circumstances beyond temporary hardshi…
- Two's company and three's none. — A third person disrupts the intimate dynamic and comfort of a pair.
- A generous confession disarms slander. — Openly admitting faults before others exploit them removes ammunition from malicious goss…
- Counsels in wine seldom prosper. — Alcohol loosens judgment, making decisions made while drinking unlikely to succeed when s…
From our idioms
- Rabattre le caquet à quelqu'un — To shut someone up; to take an insolent person down a peg.
- Caracoler en tête — To lead by a wide margin, especially in a race or in polls.
- Muet comme une carpe — Completely silent; saying absolutely nothing.