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Proverb for when one person sees something, but someone else takes it
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Is there a proverb that fits the following situation:
John and Anderson (while walking):
John: [sees a $100 bill lying in the road, and shouts] Yahoo! $100!
Anderson: [takes the money and puts it into his pocket]
Reflection: John exclaimed when he saw the money in the road, but he didn't try to take it. Anderson was smarter, as, when he saw John exclaiming, he took the money and put it into his pocket. Consequently, John now repents his foolish excitement.
My question is, is there a proverb for such situations?
EDIT: When I asked my friend, he suggested the following saying:
"Some feel the rain others just get wet."
proverb-requests
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
109k18233489
asked 18 hours ago
Maxwell
431213
add a comment |Â
up vote
19
down vote
favorite
Is there a proverb that fits the following situation:
John and Anderson (while walking):
John: [sees a $100 bill lying in the road, and shouts] Yahoo! $100!
Anderson: [takes the money and puts it into his pocket]
Reflection: John exclaimed when he saw the money in the road, but he didn't try to take it. Anderson was smarter, as, when he saw John exclaiming, he took the money and put it into his pocket. Consequently, John now repents his foolish excitement.
My question is, is there a proverb for such situations?
EDIT: When I asked my friend, he suggested the following saying:
"Some feel the rain others just get wet."
proverb-requests
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
109k18233489
asked 18 hours ago
Maxwell
431213
9
"Some feel the rain others just get wet." I (native AmE speaker) have never heard that and would not associate it with this particular situation
– Kevin
10 hours ago
3
Another AmE speaker here, and I HAVE heard that phrase (some feel the rain...) multiple times before. But it was used in a very different sense, and don't see how it fits here.
– Aethenosity
10 hours ago
1
Quite related: "Everything not saved will be lost." -Nintendo 'Quit Screen'
– aloisdg
9 hours ago
I've never, ever heard the "rain..." phrase. Weird.
– Fattie
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
19
down vote
favorite
up vote
19
down vote
favorite
Is there a proverb that fits the following situation:
John and Anderson (while walking):
John: [sees a $100 bill lying in the road, and shouts] Yahoo! $100!
Anderson: [takes the money and puts it into his pocket]
Reflection: John exclaimed when he saw the money in the road, but he didn't try to take it. Anderson was smarter, as, when he saw John exclaiming, he took the money and put it into his pocket. Consequently, John now repents his foolish excitement.
My question is, is there a proverb for such situations?
EDIT: When I asked my friend, he suggested the following saying:
"Some feel the rain others just get wet."
proverb-requests
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
109k18233489
asked 18 hours ago
Maxwell
431213
Is there a proverb that fits the following situation:
John and Anderson (while walking):
John: [sees a $100 bill lying in the road, and shouts] Yahoo! $100!
Anderson: [takes the money and puts it into his pocket]
Reflection: John exclaimed when he saw the money in the road, but he didn't try to take it. Anderson was smarter, as, when he saw John exclaiming, he took the money and put it into his pocket. Consequently, John now repents his foolish excitement.
My question is, is there a proverb for such situations?
EDIT: When I asked my friend, he suggested the following saying:
"Some feel the rain others just get wet."
proverb-requests
proverb-requests
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
109k18233489
asked 18 hours ago
Maxwell
431213
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
109k18233489
asked 18 hours ago
Maxwell
431213
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
109k18233489
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
109k18233489
edited 24 mins ago
Sven Yargs
109k18233489
109k18233489
asked 18 hours ago
Maxwell
431213
asked 18 hours ago
Maxwell
431213
asked 18 hours ago
Maxwell
431213
431213
9
"Some feel the rain others just get wet." I (native AmE speaker) have never heard that and would not associate it with this particular situation
– Kevin
10 hours ago
3
Another AmE speaker here, and I HAVE heard that phrase (some feel the rain...) multiple times before. But it was used in a very different sense, and don't see how it fits here.
– Aethenosity
10 hours ago
1
Quite related: "Everything not saved will be lost." -Nintendo 'Quit Screen'
– aloisdg
9 hours ago
I've never, ever heard the "rain..." phrase. Weird.
– Fattie
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
9
"Some feel the rain others just get wet." I (native AmE speaker) have never heard that and would not associate it with this particular situation
– Kevin
10 hours ago
3
Another AmE speaker here, and I HAVE heard that phrase (some feel the rain...) multiple times before. But it was used in a very different sense, and don't see how it fits here.
– Aethenosity
10 hours ago
1
Quite related: "Everything not saved will be lost." -Nintendo 'Quit Screen'
– aloisdg
9 hours ago
I've never, ever heard the "rain..." phrase. Weird.
– Fattie
7 hours ago
9
9
"Some feel the rain others just get wet." I (native AmE speaker) have never heard that and would not associate it with this particular situation
– Kevin
10 hours ago
"Some feel the rain others just get wet." I (native AmE speaker) have never heard that and would not associate it with this particular situation
– Kevin
10 hours ago
3
3
Another AmE speaker here, and I HAVE heard that phrase (some feel the rain...) multiple times before. But it was used in a very different sense, and don't see how it fits here.
– Aethenosity
10 hours ago
Another AmE speaker here, and I HAVE heard that phrase (some feel the rain...) multiple times before. But it was used in a very different sense, and don't see how it fits here.
– Aethenosity
10 hours ago
1
1
Quite related: "Everything not saved will be lost." -Nintendo 'Quit Screen'
– aloisdg
9 hours ago
Quite related: "Everything not saved will be lost." -Nintendo 'Quit Screen'
– aloisdg
9 hours ago
I've never, ever heard the "rain..." phrase. Weird.
– Fattie
7 hours ago
I've never, ever heard the "rain..." phrase. Weird.
– Fattie
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
up vote
46
down vote
you snooze, you lose
informal
​if you do not pay attention and do something quickly,
someone else will do it instead of you:
Cambridge Dictionary
If you wait too long to do something, that opportunity might become
unavailable.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms
John: Yahoo! $100!
(Anderson takes the money)
John: Hey, I saw it first!
Anderson: You snooze, you lose.
answered 17 hours ago
Zebrafish
7,28011030
That's certainly what most people would say today (and maybe for the last 30 years or so since it became a catchphrase). Some of the other answers would likely have been the ones to use before this became a catchphrase - or today if they were speaking more formally.
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
23
down vote
There are several possible sayings:
Actions speak louder than words.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to emphasize that what you do is more important and shows your intentions and feelings more clearly than what you say
The early bird catches the worm.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to advise someone that they will have an advantage if they do something immediately or before anyone else does it
He who hesitates is lost.
[Merriam-Webster]
—used to say that it is important to make decisions and do things in a quick and definite way
// I took my time and when I got to the store, they were all sold out. I guess "he who hesitates is lost."
answered 18 hours ago
Jason Bassford
13.5k31237
4
"The early bird catches the worm" is definitely the most accurate one here. It is sometimes "gets" instead of "catches" as well.
– Pierre Arlaud
16 hours ago
And if you want something different for breakfast you have to get up later :-D
– RedSonja
14 hours ago
The phrase "the quick and the dead" is often used in a similar sense to "he who hesitates is lost" and its flavours - although it seems that in the original usage the term 'quick' simply meant 'living'.
– Jeremy
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.
It means, don't celebrate a victory that hasn't happened yet. It comes from the fact that not every chicken egg hatches out a chick. So if you count your future chickens from the number of eggs you have, you'll likely be overestimating.
It's very common in the US, and often used for just this type of situation. Also, with the same meaning (and likewise bird-themed)
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
In this case, the $100 is the bird in the hand. $100 in your hand is worth $200 on the ground...
answered 13 hours ago
Chris Sunami
18.4k23676
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
While the other answers dealt with one perspective (quite effectively at that) of the given situation, it appears that the OP's emphasis is on John's repentance.
Consequently, John repents over his foolish excitement.
In hindsight, John thinks he should not have shown his excitement (and that would have given him a better chance of grabbing the cash first, assuming Anderson did not see it yet). In other words, he should have kept it close to his chest.
TFD (idioms):
keep (something) close to (one's) chest
To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from everyone else.
Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card
game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand.
We're all
curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with
the lawyers, but she's keeping it close to her chest.
Sorry for not
being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm keeping this one
close to the chest for the time being.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
answered 12 hours ago
alwayslearning
23.5k53089
I've heard a similar expression many times before but it was "keep something" (or often "playing something") "close to the vest". I've never heard of keeping something close to the chest. I'm a lifelong Canadian of 60+ years and have only ever been fluent in English, although I can still understand my parents' language, which I learned first).
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Strike while the iron is hot.
This proverb advises you to act decisively and take advantage of an opportunity when it first presents itself. By waiting (as slow-witted John did) you risk losing your chance.
The meaning is derived from the work of a blacksmith. In order to shape iron, the smith has to strike it while it is glowing hot and malleable. If he waits too long and it cools down, it can’t be hammered or bent into a new shape. His opportunity has been lost.
answered 5 hours ago
Headblender
85037
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
John was wise. Anderson was smart. The U.S. mint was genius.
answered 8 hours ago
Andre Patterson
1
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– jimm101
7 hours ago
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up vote
-4
down vote
Be the change you wish to see in the world is an admonition to focus more on doing than on talking. It is often falsely attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, but is essentially a phase well known and liked for its own pithiness. Whether or not it is a proverb is debatable, but I believe it is at least close.
answered 16 hours ago
Misha R
58347
Very popular amongst Quakers, not sure whether it originates with them or not.
– Ruadhan2300
16 hours ago
It's a lovely statement, but not really apropo the situation. I would go with "The early bird ..." as above.
– Konchog
14 hours ago
@Konchog The early bird is a statement on being first, not on being foolishly excited. As I see it, two people see the $100; one decides to gush over it, and the other decides to do something about it.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
3
Yeah... This answer is very wrong. "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is about practising what you preach, to live the way you want other people to live for the sake of a brighter future. If you think that everyone should recycle their trash then you should start by recycling your own trash, even if there's currently no infrastructure to help with that task (since not enough people recycle in your area to warrant such an infrastructure). Starting with yourself is the best way to make a change.
– Kapten-N
12 hours ago
@Kapten-N It is a phrase directed specifically at people who spends their time being angry or vocal about things instead of doing something. Additionally, if that's wrong it's fine. It may well be. The point here is to provide thoughts from different perspectives to help the OP arrive at an answer, and I thought this was worth adding.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
46
down vote
you snooze, you lose
informal
​if you do not pay attention and do something quickly,
someone else will do it instead of you:
Cambridge Dictionary
If you wait too long to do something, that opportunity might become
unavailable.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms
John: Yahoo! $100!
(Anderson takes the money)
John: Hey, I saw it first!
Anderson: You snooze, you lose.
answered 17 hours ago
Zebrafish
7,28011030
That's certainly what most people would say today (and maybe for the last 30 years or so since it became a catchphrase). Some of the other answers would likely have been the ones to use before this became a catchphrase - or today if they were speaking more formally.
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
46
down vote
you snooze, you lose
informal
​if you do not pay attention and do something quickly,
someone else will do it instead of you:
Cambridge Dictionary
If you wait too long to do something, that opportunity might become
unavailable.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms
John: Yahoo! $100!
(Anderson takes the money)
John: Hey, I saw it first!
Anderson: You snooze, you lose.
answered 17 hours ago
Zebrafish
7,28011030
That's certainly what most people would say today (and maybe for the last 30 years or so since it became a catchphrase). Some of the other answers would likely have been the ones to use before this became a catchphrase - or today if they were speaking more formally.
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
46
down vote
up vote
46
down vote
you snooze, you lose
informal
​if you do not pay attention and do something quickly,
someone else will do it instead of you:
Cambridge Dictionary
If you wait too long to do something, that opportunity might become
unavailable.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms
John: Yahoo! $100!
(Anderson takes the money)
John: Hey, I saw it first!
Anderson: You snooze, you lose.
answered 17 hours ago
Zebrafish
7,28011030
you snooze, you lose
informal
​if you do not pay attention and do something quickly,
someone else will do it instead of you:
Cambridge Dictionary
If you wait too long to do something, that opportunity might become
unavailable.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms
John: Yahoo! $100!
(Anderson takes the money)
John: Hey, I saw it first!
Anderson: You snooze, you lose.
answered 17 hours ago
Zebrafish
7,28011030
edited 17 hours ago
answered 17 hours ago
Zebrafish
7,28011030
answered 17 hours ago
Zebrafish
7,28011030
answered 17 hours ago
Zebrafish
7,28011030
7,28011030
That's certainly what most people would say today (and maybe for the last 30 years or so since it became a catchphrase). Some of the other answers would likely have been the ones to use before this became a catchphrase - or today if they were speaking more formally.
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
That's certainly what most people would say today (and maybe for the last 30 years or so since it became a catchphrase). Some of the other answers would likely have been the ones to use before this became a catchphrase - or today if they were speaking more formally.
– Henry
4 hours ago
That's certainly what most people would say today (and maybe for the last 30 years or so since it became a catchphrase). Some of the other answers would likely have been the ones to use before this became a catchphrase - or today if they were speaking more formally.
– Henry
4 hours ago
That's certainly what most people would say today (and maybe for the last 30 years or so since it became a catchphrase). Some of the other answers would likely have been the ones to use before this became a catchphrase - or today if they were speaking more formally.
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
23
down vote
There are several possible sayings:
Actions speak louder than words.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to emphasize that what you do is more important and shows your intentions and feelings more clearly than what you say
The early bird catches the worm.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to advise someone that they will have an advantage if they do something immediately or before anyone else does it
He who hesitates is lost.
[Merriam-Webster]
—used to say that it is important to make decisions and do things in a quick and definite way
// I took my time and when I got to the store, they were all sold out. I guess "he who hesitates is lost."
answered 18 hours ago
Jason Bassford
13.5k31237
4
"The early bird catches the worm" is definitely the most accurate one here. It is sometimes "gets" instead of "catches" as well.
– Pierre Arlaud
16 hours ago
And if you want something different for breakfast you have to get up later :-D
– RedSonja
14 hours ago
The phrase "the quick and the dead" is often used in a similar sense to "he who hesitates is lost" and its flavours - although it seems that in the original usage the term 'quick' simply meant 'living'.
– Jeremy
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
23
down vote
There are several possible sayings:
Actions speak louder than words.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to emphasize that what you do is more important and shows your intentions and feelings more clearly than what you say
The early bird catches the worm.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to advise someone that they will have an advantage if they do something immediately or before anyone else does it
He who hesitates is lost.
[Merriam-Webster]
—used to say that it is important to make decisions and do things in a quick and definite way
// I took my time and when I got to the store, they were all sold out. I guess "he who hesitates is lost."
answered 18 hours ago
Jason Bassford
13.5k31237
4
"The early bird catches the worm" is definitely the most accurate one here. It is sometimes "gets" instead of "catches" as well.
– Pierre Arlaud
16 hours ago
And if you want something different for breakfast you have to get up later :-D
– RedSonja
14 hours ago
The phrase "the quick and the dead" is often used in a similar sense to "he who hesitates is lost" and its flavours - although it seems that in the original usage the term 'quick' simply meant 'living'.
– Jeremy
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
23
down vote
up vote
23
down vote
There are several possible sayings:
Actions speak louder than words.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to emphasize that what you do is more important and shows your intentions and feelings more clearly than what you say
The early bird catches the worm.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to advise someone that they will have an advantage if they do something immediately or before anyone else does it
He who hesitates is lost.
[Merriam-Webster]
—used to say that it is important to make decisions and do things in a quick and definite way
// I took my time and when I got to the store, they were all sold out. I guess "he who hesitates is lost."
answered 18 hours ago
Jason Bassford
13.5k31237
There are several possible sayings:
Actions speak louder than words.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to emphasize that what you do is more important and shows your intentions and feelings more clearly than what you say
The early bird catches the worm.
[Cambridge Dictionary]
said to advise someone that they will have an advantage if they do something immediately or before anyone else does it
He who hesitates is lost.
[Merriam-Webster]
—used to say that it is important to make decisions and do things in a quick and definite way
// I took my time and when I got to the store, they were all sold out. I guess "he who hesitates is lost."
answered 18 hours ago
Jason Bassford
13.5k31237
answered 18 hours ago
Jason Bassford
13.5k31237
answered 18 hours ago
Jason Bassford
13.5k31237
answered 18 hours ago
Jason Bassford
13.5k31237
13.5k31237
4
"The early bird catches the worm" is definitely the most accurate one here. It is sometimes "gets" instead of "catches" as well.
– Pierre Arlaud
16 hours ago
And if you want something different for breakfast you have to get up later :-D
– RedSonja
14 hours ago
The phrase "the quick and the dead" is often used in a similar sense to "he who hesitates is lost" and its flavours - although it seems that in the original usage the term 'quick' simply meant 'living'.
– Jeremy
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
4
"The early bird catches the worm" is definitely the most accurate one here. It is sometimes "gets" instead of "catches" as well.
– Pierre Arlaud
16 hours ago
And if you want something different for breakfast you have to get up later :-D
– RedSonja
14 hours ago
The phrase "the quick and the dead" is often used in a similar sense to "he who hesitates is lost" and its flavours - although it seems that in the original usage the term 'quick' simply meant 'living'.
– Jeremy
12 hours ago
4
4
"The early bird catches the worm" is definitely the most accurate one here. It is sometimes "gets" instead of "catches" as well.
– Pierre Arlaud
16 hours ago
"The early bird catches the worm" is definitely the most accurate one here. It is sometimes "gets" instead of "catches" as well.
– Pierre Arlaud
16 hours ago
And if you want something different for breakfast you have to get up later :-D
– RedSonja
14 hours ago
And if you want something different for breakfast you have to get up later :-D
– RedSonja
14 hours ago
The phrase "the quick and the dead" is often used in a similar sense to "he who hesitates is lost" and its flavours - although it seems that in the original usage the term 'quick' simply meant 'living'.
– Jeremy
12 hours ago
The phrase "the quick and the dead" is often used in a similar sense to "he who hesitates is lost" and its flavours - although it seems that in the original usage the term 'quick' simply meant 'living'.
– Jeremy
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.
It means, don't celebrate a victory that hasn't happened yet. It comes from the fact that not every chicken egg hatches out a chick. So if you count your future chickens from the number of eggs you have, you'll likely be overestimating.
It's very common in the US, and often used for just this type of situation. Also, with the same meaning (and likewise bird-themed)
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
In this case, the $100 is the bird in the hand. $100 in your hand is worth $200 on the ground...
answered 13 hours ago
Chris Sunami
18.4k23676
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.
It means, don't celebrate a victory that hasn't happened yet. It comes from the fact that not every chicken egg hatches out a chick. So if you count your future chickens from the number of eggs you have, you'll likely be overestimating.
It's very common in the US, and often used for just this type of situation. Also, with the same meaning (and likewise bird-themed)
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
In this case, the $100 is the bird in the hand. $100 in your hand is worth $200 on the ground...
answered 13 hours ago
Chris Sunami
18.4k23676
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
up vote
8
down vote
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.
It means, don't celebrate a victory that hasn't happened yet. It comes from the fact that not every chicken egg hatches out a chick. So if you count your future chickens from the number of eggs you have, you'll likely be overestimating.
It's very common in the US, and often used for just this type of situation. Also, with the same meaning (and likewise bird-themed)
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
In this case, the $100 is the bird in the hand. $100 in your hand is worth $200 on the ground...
answered 13 hours ago
Chris Sunami
18.4k23676
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.
It means, don't celebrate a victory that hasn't happened yet. It comes from the fact that not every chicken egg hatches out a chick. So if you count your future chickens from the number of eggs you have, you'll likely be overestimating.
It's very common in the US, and often used for just this type of situation. Also, with the same meaning (and likewise bird-themed)
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
In this case, the $100 is the bird in the hand. $100 in your hand is worth $200 on the ground...
answered 13 hours ago
Chris Sunami
18.4k23676
edited 9 hours ago
answered 13 hours ago
Chris Sunami
18.4k23676
answered 13 hours ago
Chris Sunami
18.4k23676
answered 13 hours ago
Chris Sunami
18.4k23676
18.4k23676
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
While the other answers dealt with one perspective (quite effectively at that) of the given situation, it appears that the OP's emphasis is on John's repentance.
Consequently, John repents over his foolish excitement.
In hindsight, John thinks he should not have shown his excitement (and that would have given him a better chance of grabbing the cash first, assuming Anderson did not see it yet). In other words, he should have kept it close to his chest.
TFD (idioms):
keep (something) close to (one's) chest
To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from everyone else.
Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card
game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand.
We're all
curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with
the lawyers, but she's keeping it close to her chest.
Sorry for not
being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm keeping this one
close to the chest for the time being.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
answered 12 hours ago
alwayslearning
23.5k53089
I've heard a similar expression many times before but it was "keep something" (or often "playing something") "close to the vest". I've never heard of keeping something close to the chest. I'm a lifelong Canadian of 60+ years and have only ever been fluent in English, although I can still understand my parents' language, which I learned first).
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
While the other answers dealt with one perspective (quite effectively at that) of the given situation, it appears that the OP's emphasis is on John's repentance.
Consequently, John repents over his foolish excitement.
In hindsight, John thinks he should not have shown his excitement (and that would have given him a better chance of grabbing the cash first, assuming Anderson did not see it yet). In other words, he should have kept it close to his chest.
TFD (idioms):
keep (something) close to (one's) chest
To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from everyone else.
Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card
game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand.
We're all
curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with
the lawyers, but she's keeping it close to her chest.
Sorry for not
being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm keeping this one
close to the chest for the time being.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
answered 12 hours ago
alwayslearning
23.5k53089
I've heard a similar expression many times before but it was "keep something" (or often "playing something") "close to the vest". I've never heard of keeping something close to the chest. I'm a lifelong Canadian of 60+ years and have only ever been fluent in English, although I can still understand my parents' language, which I learned first).
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
While the other answers dealt with one perspective (quite effectively at that) of the given situation, it appears that the OP's emphasis is on John's repentance.
Consequently, John repents over his foolish excitement.
In hindsight, John thinks he should not have shown his excitement (and that would have given him a better chance of grabbing the cash first, assuming Anderson did not see it yet). In other words, he should have kept it close to his chest.
TFD (idioms):
keep (something) close to (one's) chest
To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from everyone else.
Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card
game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand.
We're all
curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with
the lawyers, but she's keeping it close to her chest.
Sorry for not
being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm keeping this one
close to the chest for the time being.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
answered 12 hours ago
alwayslearning
23.5k53089
While the other answers dealt with one perspective (quite effectively at that) of the given situation, it appears that the OP's emphasis is on John's repentance.
Consequently, John repents over his foolish excitement.
In hindsight, John thinks he should not have shown his excitement (and that would have given him a better chance of grabbing the cash first, assuming Anderson did not see it yet). In other words, he should have kept it close to his chest.
TFD (idioms):
keep (something) close to (one's) chest
To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from everyone else.
Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card
game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand.
We're all
curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with
the lawyers, but she's keeping it close to her chest.
Sorry for not
being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm keeping this one
close to the chest for the time being.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
answered 12 hours ago
alwayslearning
23.5k53089
answered 12 hours ago
alwayslearning
23.5k53089
answered 12 hours ago
alwayslearning
23.5k53089
answered 12 hours ago
alwayslearning
23.5k53089
23.5k53089
I've heard a similar expression many times before but it was "keep something" (or often "playing something") "close to the vest". I've never heard of keeping something close to the chest. I'm a lifelong Canadian of 60+ years and have only ever been fluent in English, although I can still understand my parents' language, which I learned first).
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
I've heard a similar expression many times before but it was "keep something" (or often "playing something") "close to the vest". I've never heard of keeping something close to the chest. I'm a lifelong Canadian of 60+ years and have only ever been fluent in English, although I can still understand my parents' language, which I learned first).
– Henry
4 hours ago
I've heard a similar expression many times before but it was "keep something" (or often "playing something") "close to the vest". I've never heard of keeping something close to the chest. I'm a lifelong Canadian of 60+ years and have only ever been fluent in English, although I can still understand my parents' language, which I learned first).
– Henry
4 hours ago
I've heard a similar expression many times before but it was "keep something" (or often "playing something") "close to the vest". I've never heard of keeping something close to the chest. I'm a lifelong Canadian of 60+ years and have only ever been fluent in English, although I can still understand my parents' language, which I learned first).
– Henry
4 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Strike while the iron is hot.
This proverb advises you to act decisively and take advantage of an opportunity when it first presents itself. By waiting (as slow-witted John did) you risk losing your chance.
The meaning is derived from the work of a blacksmith. In order to shape iron, the smith has to strike it while it is glowing hot and malleable. If he waits too long and it cools down, it can’t be hammered or bent into a new shape. His opportunity has been lost.
answered 5 hours ago
Headblender
85037
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Strike while the iron is hot.
This proverb advises you to act decisively and take advantage of an opportunity when it first presents itself. By waiting (as slow-witted John did) you risk losing your chance.
The meaning is derived from the work of a blacksmith. In order to shape iron, the smith has to strike it while it is glowing hot and malleable. If he waits too long and it cools down, it can’t be hammered or bent into a new shape. His opportunity has been lost.
answered 5 hours ago
Headblender
85037
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Strike while the iron is hot.
This proverb advises you to act decisively and take advantage of an opportunity when it first presents itself. By waiting (as slow-witted John did) you risk losing your chance.
The meaning is derived from the work of a blacksmith. In order to shape iron, the smith has to strike it while it is glowing hot and malleable. If he waits too long and it cools down, it can’t be hammered or bent into a new shape. His opportunity has been lost.
answered 5 hours ago
Headblender
85037
Strike while the iron is hot.
This proverb advises you to act decisively and take advantage of an opportunity when it first presents itself. By waiting (as slow-witted John did) you risk losing your chance.
The meaning is derived from the work of a blacksmith. In order to shape iron, the smith has to strike it while it is glowing hot and malleable. If he waits too long and it cools down, it can’t be hammered or bent into a new shape. His opportunity has been lost.
answered 5 hours ago
Headblender
85037
answered 5 hours ago
Headblender
85037
answered 5 hours ago
Headblender
85037
answered 5 hours ago
Headblender
85037
85037
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
John was wise. Anderson was smart. The U.S. mint was genius.
answered 8 hours ago
Andre Patterson
1
New contributor
Andre Patterson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– jimm101
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
John was wise. Anderson was smart. The U.S. mint was genius.
answered 8 hours ago
Andre Patterson
1
New contributor
Andre Patterson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– jimm101
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
John was wise. Anderson was smart. The U.S. mint was genius.
answered 8 hours ago
Andre Patterson
1
New contributor
Andre Patterson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
John was wise. Anderson was smart. The U.S. mint was genius.
answered 8 hours ago
Andre Patterson
1
New contributor
Andre Patterson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 8 hours ago
Andre Patterson
1
New contributor
Andre Patterson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 8 hours ago
Andre Patterson
1
answered 8 hours ago
Andre Patterson
1
1
New contributor
Andre Patterson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Andre Patterson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Andre Patterson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– jimm101
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
2
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– jimm101
7 hours ago
2
2
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– jimm101
7 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– jimm101
7 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
-4
down vote
Be the change you wish to see in the world is an admonition to focus more on doing than on talking. It is often falsely attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, but is essentially a phase well known and liked for its own pithiness. Whether or not it is a proverb is debatable, but I believe it is at least close.
answered 16 hours ago
Misha R
58347
Very popular amongst Quakers, not sure whether it originates with them or not.
– Ruadhan2300
16 hours ago
It's a lovely statement, but not really apropo the situation. I would go with "The early bird ..." as above.
– Konchog
14 hours ago
@Konchog The early bird is a statement on being first, not on being foolishly excited. As I see it, two people see the $100; one decides to gush over it, and the other decides to do something about it.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
3
Yeah... This answer is very wrong. "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is about practising what you preach, to live the way you want other people to live for the sake of a brighter future. If you think that everyone should recycle their trash then you should start by recycling your own trash, even if there's currently no infrastructure to help with that task (since not enough people recycle in your area to warrant such an infrastructure). Starting with yourself is the best way to make a change.
– Kapten-N
12 hours ago
@Kapten-N It is a phrase directed specifically at people who spends their time being angry or vocal about things instead of doing something. Additionally, if that's wrong it's fine. It may well be. The point here is to provide thoughts from different perspectives to help the OP arrive at an answer, and I thought this was worth adding.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
-4
down vote
Be the change you wish to see in the world is an admonition to focus more on doing than on talking. It is often falsely attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, but is essentially a phase well known and liked for its own pithiness. Whether or not it is a proverb is debatable, but I believe it is at least close.
answered 16 hours ago
Misha R
58347
Very popular amongst Quakers, not sure whether it originates with them or not.
– Ruadhan2300
16 hours ago
It's a lovely statement, but not really apropo the situation. I would go with "The early bird ..." as above.
– Konchog
14 hours ago
@Konchog The early bird is a statement on being first, not on being foolishly excited. As I see it, two people see the $100; one decides to gush over it, and the other decides to do something about it.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
3
Yeah... This answer is very wrong. "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is about practising what you preach, to live the way you want other people to live for the sake of a brighter future. If you think that everyone should recycle their trash then you should start by recycling your own trash, even if there's currently no infrastructure to help with that task (since not enough people recycle in your area to warrant such an infrastructure). Starting with yourself is the best way to make a change.
– Kapten-N
12 hours ago
@Kapten-N It is a phrase directed specifically at people who spends their time being angry or vocal about things instead of doing something. Additionally, if that's wrong it's fine. It may well be. The point here is to provide thoughts from different perspectives to help the OP arrive at an answer, and I thought this was worth adding.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
-4
down vote
up vote
-4
down vote
Be the change you wish to see in the world is an admonition to focus more on doing than on talking. It is often falsely attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, but is essentially a phase well known and liked for its own pithiness. Whether or not it is a proverb is debatable, but I believe it is at least close.
answered 16 hours ago
Misha R
58347
Be the change you wish to see in the world is an admonition to focus more on doing than on talking. It is often falsely attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, but is essentially a phase well known and liked for its own pithiness. Whether or not it is a proverb is debatable, but I believe it is at least close.
answered 16 hours ago
Misha R
58347
answered 16 hours ago
Misha R
58347
answered 16 hours ago
Misha R
58347
answered 16 hours ago
Misha R
58347
58347
Very popular amongst Quakers, not sure whether it originates with them or not.
– Ruadhan2300
16 hours ago
It's a lovely statement, but not really apropo the situation. I would go with "The early bird ..." as above.
– Konchog
14 hours ago
@Konchog The early bird is a statement on being first, not on being foolishly excited. As I see it, two people see the $100; one decides to gush over it, and the other decides to do something about it.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
3
Yeah... This answer is very wrong. "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is about practising what you preach, to live the way you want other people to live for the sake of a brighter future. If you think that everyone should recycle their trash then you should start by recycling your own trash, even if there's currently no infrastructure to help with that task (since not enough people recycle in your area to warrant such an infrastructure). Starting with yourself is the best way to make a change.
– Kapten-N
12 hours ago
@Kapten-N It is a phrase directed specifically at people who spends their time being angry or vocal about things instead of doing something. Additionally, if that's wrong it's fine. It may well be. The point here is to provide thoughts from different perspectives to help the OP arrive at an answer, and I thought this was worth adding.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
Very popular amongst Quakers, not sure whether it originates with them or not.
– Ruadhan2300
16 hours ago
It's a lovely statement, but not really apropo the situation. I would go with "The early bird ..." as above.
– Konchog
14 hours ago
@Konchog The early bird is a statement on being first, not on being foolishly excited. As I see it, two people see the $100; one decides to gush over it, and the other decides to do something about it.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
3
Yeah... This answer is very wrong. "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is about practising what you preach, to live the way you want other people to live for the sake of a brighter future. If you think that everyone should recycle their trash then you should start by recycling your own trash, even if there's currently no infrastructure to help with that task (since not enough people recycle in your area to warrant such an infrastructure). Starting with yourself is the best way to make a change.
– Kapten-N
12 hours ago
@Kapten-N It is a phrase directed specifically at people who spends their time being angry or vocal about things instead of doing something. Additionally, if that's wrong it's fine. It may well be. The point here is to provide thoughts from different perspectives to help the OP arrive at an answer, and I thought this was worth adding.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
Very popular amongst Quakers, not sure whether it originates with them or not.
– Ruadhan2300
16 hours ago
Very popular amongst Quakers, not sure whether it originates with them or not.
– Ruadhan2300
16 hours ago
It's a lovely statement, but not really apropo the situation. I would go with "The early bird ..." as above.
– Konchog
14 hours ago
It's a lovely statement, but not really apropo the situation. I would go with "The early bird ..." as above.
– Konchog
14 hours ago
@Konchog The early bird is a statement on being first, not on being foolishly excited. As I see it, two people see the $100; one decides to gush over it, and the other decides to do something about it.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
@Konchog The early bird is a statement on being first, not on being foolishly excited. As I see it, two people see the $100; one decides to gush over it, and the other decides to do something about it.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
3
3
Yeah... This answer is very wrong. "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is about practising what you preach, to live the way you want other people to live for the sake of a brighter future. If you think that everyone should recycle their trash then you should start by recycling your own trash, even if there's currently no infrastructure to help with that task (since not enough people recycle in your area to warrant such an infrastructure). Starting with yourself is the best way to make a change.
– Kapten-N
12 hours ago
Yeah... This answer is very wrong. "Be the change you wish to see in the world" is about practising what you preach, to live the way you want other people to live for the sake of a brighter future. If you think that everyone should recycle their trash then you should start by recycling your own trash, even if there's currently no infrastructure to help with that task (since not enough people recycle in your area to warrant such an infrastructure). Starting with yourself is the best way to make a change.
– Kapten-N
12 hours ago
@Kapten-N It is a phrase directed specifically at people who spends their time being angry or vocal about things instead of doing something. Additionally, if that's wrong it's fine. It may well be. The point here is to provide thoughts from different perspectives to help the OP arrive at an answer, and I thought this was worth adding.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
@Kapten-N It is a phrase directed specifically at people who spends their time being angry or vocal about things instead of doing something. Additionally, if that's wrong it's fine. It may well be. The point here is to provide thoughts from different perspectives to help the OP arrive at an answer, and I thought this was worth adding.
– Misha R
12 hours ago
add a comment |Â
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9
"Some feel the rain others just get wet." I (native AmE speaker) have never heard that and would not associate it with this particular situation
– Kevin
10 hours ago
3
Another AmE speaker here, and I HAVE heard that phrase (some feel the rain...) multiple times before. But it was used in a very different sense, and don't see how it fits here.
– Aethenosity
10 hours ago
1
Quite related: "Everything not saved will be lost." -Nintendo 'Quit Screen'
– aloisdg
9 hours ago
I've never, ever heard the "rain..." phrase. Weird.
– Fattie
7 hours ago