What does “He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.” mean?

"He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes" means that it is unwise to wait for someone's death in order to inherit their belongings, as it can take a long time and cause suffering. It is better to work hard and earn things for oneself rather than relying on a lucky break that may never come.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Don't be like him, he goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes. Work hard and earn your own success.

Example

Instead of waiting for an inheritance, it's better to build your own wealth. Remember, he goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.

Example

Waiting for someone's death to inherit their belongings is not a wise strategy. He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes

Is “He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.” effectively in context?

You can use "He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes" to caution someone against relying on luck or waiting for others to provide for them. It emphasizes the importance of hard work and self-reliance. For example, if a friend is hoping to win the lottery instead of working towards their goals, you might say, 'Don't be like him, he goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes. Work hard and earn your own success.'

1Personal Development
Instead of waiting for an inheritance, it's better to build your own wealth. Remember, he goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.
2Career
Waiting for someone's retirement to take their position is not a wise strategy. He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.
3Financial Planning
Relying on an expected windfall instead of saving and investing is risky. He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.

Similar phrases to “He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.”:

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

It's better to have something tangible or certain than to risk losing it by pursuing something uncertain or more desirable.

Example

She decided to accept the job offer she had rather than waiting for a potentially better opportunity. After all, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Make hay while the sun shines

Take advantage of favorable circumstances while they last.

Example

The weather was perfect for outdoor activities, so they decided to go hiking. They knew they had to make hay while the sun shines.

You can't have your cake and eat it too

You can't have or do two contradictory things at the same time.

Example

She wanted to go on vacation and save money at the same time, but you can't have your cake and eat it too.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes" is unknown.

Is “He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is an old proverb that may not be familiar to everyone.

What tone does “He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.” have?

"He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes" conveys a cautionary tone. It warns against relying on luck or waiting for others to provide for one's needs.

Can “He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "He goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes" is more formal in nature. It is not commonly used in casual conversations but may be encountered in literature or formal speeches.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't be like him, he goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes. Work hard and earn your own success.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "he goes long barefoot that waits for the dead man’s shoes"!' to imply the importance of self-reliance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

don't put all your eggs in one basket
a watched pot never boils
don't count your chickens before they hatch
fortune favors the bold
god helps those who help themselves

Antonyms

slow and steady wins the race
good things come to those who wait
patience is a virtue
let nature take its course
wait for the right moment