Proverb

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The thirsty person digs the well.

β€” Korean proverb; individual author and earliest origin unknown

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A river flowing around smooth stones beneath a willow at sunset.
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What does this proverb mean?

The person who most needs something often takes the initiative.

Sources and attribution

Unattributed Traditional proverb; individual author and earliest use unknown.

Source: National Institute of Korean Language β€” Korean Basic Dictionary , Korean Basic Dictionary proverb lookup: λͺ©λ§ˆλ₯Έ μ‚¬λžŒμ΄ 우물 νŒλ‹€

Origin: Korean proverb; individual author and earliest origin unknown

View reference β†—

Traditional Korean saying. English rendering and explanation by Quotations; not copied from the dictionary’s definitions. The reference documents usage, not first authorship.

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