◎ 临渴穿井 línkě-chuānjǐng[not dig a well until one thirsty——not make timely preparations] 穿:掘凿。到口渴时才想着凿井。比喻事到临头才急着想办法,为时已晚 夫病已成而后药之,乱已成而后治之,譬犹渴而穿井,斗而铸锥,不亦晚乎!——《内经·素问》-----------------国语辞典:比喻事到临头,才想办法解决,为时已晚。参见「临渴掘井」条。宋.张君房《云笈七签.卷一一八.张仁表念太一救苦天尊验》:「临渴穿井,事同噬脐,胡可得也。」
◎ 临渊羡鱼,不如退而结网 lín yuān xiàn yú,bùrú tuì ér jié wǎng [It is better to return home and weave net than standing by water and admiring fishes;one should take practical steps to achieve one’s aims; It is hard to catch birds with an empty hand; It is vain to fish without a hook, or read without a book] 比喻空怀壮志,不如实实在在地付诸于行动-----------------国语辞典:比喻虽有愿望,但只凭空妄想,难收实效。参见「临河羡鱼」条。《汉书.卷五六.董仲舒传》:「古人有言曰:『临渊羡鱼,不如退而结网。』今临政而愿治七十余岁矣,不如退而更化。」