🎯 Watch and Wait: On Guard for Golden Opportunities 💰
To look out for one’s own best interest or for the opportunity that will be most profitable. The term is thought to come either from betting in cockfights (main being an obsolete word for cockfight) or from a game of chance called hazard, in which the main signified the number (anywhere from 5 to 9) called by the caster before the dice were thrown and chance signified the second throw of the dice, which determined the total.
In any event, the expression dates from the sixteenth century, was recorded by John Lyly and Shakespeare, among others, and appeared in John Ray’s English Proverbs of 1670.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Seize the day (Carpe diem): An invitation to make the most of the present moment.
- Strike while the iron is hot: Act immediately in a favorable situation, originating from blacksmiths who shape metal while it’s pliable.
- Keep your eyes peeled: Stay alert and watchful.
Synonyms:
- Look out for number one
- Mind one’s own business
- Be on the lookout
Antonyms:
- Ignore opportunities
- Neglect one’s best interests
- Be lackadaisical
Humor-Filled Quote:
“Watching for one’s main chance is like waiting for your fries to turn back into potatoes – it takes patience and keen eyes!” – Anonymous
Proverbs:
“It’s the early bird that catches the worm.”
Literature, Books, and Songs:
- “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare – Shakespeare’s characters often exemplify seizing opportunities and conceptually watching for their main chance.
- “The Prince” by Niccolò Machiavelli – Espouses the virtues of being shrewd and looking out for advantageous opportunities.
- Song: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – Emphasizes staying vigilant and pouncing when the time is right.
Movies and Poetry:
- Movie: “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) – A real-life tale of seeking the main chance amidst overwhelming odds.
- Poetry: “If—” by Rudyard Kipling – A poem about perseverance and staying vigilant.
Farewell Thought:
As you traverse the bustling avenues of life, remember to keep your eyes peeled for opportunities. Who knows, the next golden chance may be one glance away!
