漲zhǎng水shuǐ魚yú,，退tuì水shuǐ蝦xiā

What does 漲水魚，退水蝦 (zhǎng shuǐ yú, tuì shuǐ xiā) mean?

漲水魚，退水蝦 (zhǎng shuǐ yú, tuì shuǐ xiā) is a colloquial saying (súyǔ 俗語). Word for word it reads "Rising water for fish, falling water for shrimp." In use it means: Fish are best caught when water levels are rising, as they ride the current into flooded margins to feed. Shrimp are easiest to catch when water recedes, as they are left exposed in drying shallows. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Water note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Dog.

Literally: "Rising water for fish, falling water for shrimp."

The reading

The river gives different gifts at different stages of its breathing. When water climbs, fish ride the current into flooded margins where they feed eagerly and bite readily. When it falls, shrimp are left exposed in drying shallows where they can be scooped by hand. The fisherman who only works one phase of the cycle catches only half of what the river offers.

What kind of proverb it is

• Typesúyǔ 俗語
• FocusPresent-minded
• Element水 Water
• Zodiac tie狗 Year of the Dog

Source Traditional fishing proverb from riverine and lakeside communities in southern China

Sits beside

Keep reading

Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in The Way of Water, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Dog, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.