磨刀不误砍柴工
“Sharpening the axe does not delay the work of cutting wood.”
Time spent preparing properly is never wasted; it makes the real work easier.
— Traditional China Wisdom, China
Source: Traditional Chinese proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from China
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Great undertakings are accomplished by starting with a single small action.
Traditional China Wisdom
Read more →
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.
Study and reflection must go together to gain true understanding.
Traditional China Wisdom
Read more →
Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself.
Treat others with the same consideration you would wish for yourself.
Traditional China Wisdom
Read more →
When the old frontiersman lost his horse, who could know it was not a blessing?
Apparent misfortune may turn out to be good luck, and vice versa.
Traditional China Wisdom
Read more →
Know yourself and know your enemy, and in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.
Thorough knowledge of both sides ensures success in any conflict.
Traditional China Wisdom
Read more →
Among any three people walking together, one can surely be my teacher.
There is something to learn from everyone around you.
Traditional China Wisdom
Read more →