During the Spring and Autumn period, in the state of Song, a farmer was working in the field when he saw a wild rabbit accidentally run into a tree stump and break its neck, dying instantly. Without any effort, the farmer got the rabbit meat.

Since then, he stopped doing any farming and spent every day waiting by the tree stump, hoping another rabbit would come and bump into it. But no other rabbits ever came. His behavior became a joke to others.

Summary

  • Idiom: 守株待兔
  • Pinyin: shǒu zhū dài tù
  • Literal Translation: wait by a tree stump for a rabbit
  • Extended Meaning: Used to describe someone who stubbornly waits for luck instead of adapting or working hard, hoping for success without effort.

Character Introduction

  • 农夫 (The Farmer): A lazy farmer who relied on luck instead of effort, expecting success without working.