4 characters Idiom and proverb 18 289

We’re offering free resources to help you learn Chinese. In this series, idioms and proverbs take center stage, known for their deep meanings and versatile usage. Today’s idiom is 「涸澤而漁」, explained below.

The idiom being introduced now is 「涸澤而漁」. Below, you’ll find its meaning and usage examples.

Drain the pond and catch fish. A metaphor for only seeking immediate benefits without making long-term plans.

The Mandarin pronunciation of this idiom is :

hé zé ér yú

while its Cantonese pinyin is :

kok3 jaak6 yi4 yu4

With so many Chinese idioms, each holding diverse meanings and uses, there is much to explore. These materials are designed to support your Chinese language studies.