Idiom 4 of 6 • Level 3
Nước đến chân mới nhảy
Only jump when water reaches your feet
Procrastinating until the last possible moment. Waiting until crisis to act.
Quick Analysis
⚊ Literal Meaning
nước (water) + đến (arrive) + chân (feet) + mới (only then) + nhảy (jump) = Imagine rising floodwater. You don't move until it literally touches your feet — dangerously late.
⚘ Cultural Context
Can be used both critically (you're too lazy/careless) and humorously (relatable procrastination). Context determines tone — sometimes it's gentle self-deprecation, sometimes it's genuine criticism.
💬 Usage
Anh ấy nước đến chân mới nhảy, deadline sắp tới mới bắt đầu làm.
→ He procrastinates until the last minute — only starts working when the deadline is near.
Đừng nước đến chân mới nhảy, chuẩn bị từ sớm đi!
→ Don't wait until the last minute — prepare early!