📖 Meaning
Literally, using water that is already present to mix mud. Metaphorically, it means seizing a convenient opportunity to act while conditions are favorable. It describes acting promptly and resourcefully when a good chance presents itself.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase comes from the modern historical novel Li Zicheng by the Chinese writer Yao Xueyin. In Volume 3, Chapter 11, a character sees an unexpected arrival of a woman and remarks that she has come at just the right moment, neither too early nor too late. He then says to take the water and mix the mud, and to strike while the iron is hot, dealing with her in the process. The image of mixing mud with readily available water conveys the idea of making use of an existing favorable situation to accomplish something with minimal extra effort.
💡 Example Usage
既然大家都到齐了，咱们趁水和泥，把这件事定下来吧。
Since everyone is already here, let's seize the moment and settle this matter now.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 趁水和泥
- Pinyin: chèn shuǐ huò ní
- Literal Translation: take, water, mix, mud
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4