Quotations

Proverb

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The first to eat becomes the owner.

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

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An open book and a ceramic tea cup beside a garden window.
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What does this proverb mean?

In a race for an unclaimed opportunity, timing can matter greatly.

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: λ¨Όμ € λ¨ΉλŠ” λ†ˆμ΄ μž„μž

Origin: Korean proverb; individual author and earliest origin unknown

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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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