临渴掘井

Traditional form:

臨渴掘井

Pinyin (reading):

línkějuéjǐng

Definitions:

• lit. not to dig a well until one is thirsty
• to be unprepared and seek help at the last minute (idiom)

Characters:

• 临 - to draw near, to approach; to descend
• 渴 - thirsty, parched; to yearn, to pine for
• 掘 - to dig, to excavate
• 井 - well, mine shaft, pit

Traditional characters:

• 臨 - to draw near, to approach; to descend
• 渴 - thirsty, parched; to yearn, to pine for
• 掘 - to dig, to excavate
• 井 - well, mine shaft, pit