Khmer elders say: “When you hear the thunder, don’t hurry to throw away the water.” This proverb warns against abandoning what is already secure for promises that are not yet real. In a fast‑moving world of trends, rumors, and “big opportunities,” its message about patience and clear judgment remains highly relevant.
Khmer: ឮផ្គរ កុំអាលចាក់ទឹកចោល
Transcription: Leu phko, kom al chak teuk chaol
Literal translation: “When you hear the thunder, do not hurry to pour away the water.”
Literally, the saying evokes a rural scene: a family hears thunder and assumes heavy rain is coming soon. Expecting their jars and ponds to refill, they are tempted to pour out old water to make space. But thunder does not guarantee rain, and throwing away stored water too soon can be dangerous. The image teaches a simple lesson: do not sacrifice something vital based only on signs and expectations.
Figuratively, the proverb tells us not to abandon jobs, relationships, savings, or studies just because we hear about something “better” that has not yet taken shape. It criticizes impulsive decisions, naïve optimism, and the wastefulness of discarding what works for the sake of hype.
In today’s Cambodia, “thunder” can mean viral social media claims, business buzz, or political promises, while “water” stands for existing skills, income, and support networks. The proverb might be quoted when someone wants to resign based on a rumor of higher pay, move savings into a risky online scheme, or drop out of university for vague offers of “quick money” abroad.
Parallel ideas appear in other languages: English has “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” and “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” while French offers « Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué » and « Mieux vaut tenir que courir ». All stress prudence and respect for what is already in hand.
