Korean Proverb Series 61
Even a Cow, Stepping Backward, Can Catch a Mouse
“소 뒷걸음에 쥐 잡는다”
(So dwitgeoreume jwi japneunda)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “소 뒷걸음에 쥐 잡는다” literally means
“Even a cow, while stepping backward, can catch a mouse.”
It refers to achieving success by pure accident or luck rather than skill or effort.
In other words, sometimes people get things right by coincidence,
not because they are capable or intentional.
This saying gently mocks those who mistake coincidence for talent,
reminding us to stay humble even when luck favors us.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ Success without skill is just luck, not mastery.
▪️ One lucky outcome doesn’t define ability.
▪️ Humility matters more than boasting over chance.
The proverb teaches that while luck may visit anyone,
true achievement comes from consistent effort and preparation.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ A student who didn’t study but guessed correctly on an exam — lucky, not genius.
▪️ A person who invests without knowledge yet gains profit once — mere coincidence.
▪️ Someone who wins a game by chance may boast,
but real strength is proven through repetition, not randomness.
It’s a friendly reminder: Don’t mistake chance for skill —
and don’t rely on luck as your plan.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.”
→ Even the unskilled can succeed once by accident.
▪️ France — “Même un aveugle trouve parfois une noisette.”
→ Even the blind sometimes find a hazelnut.
▪️ China — “瞎猫碰上死耗子 (Xiā māo pèng shàng sǐ hàozi).”
→ A blind cat bumps into a dead mouse.
Across cultures, people agree that luck can strike anyone —
but wisdom lies in not mistaking it for competence.
💬 A Warm Saying
“Fortune may smile once,
but only effort keeps it from fading.”
📌 Note
This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.
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