To wait for a favorable opportunity or condition to display one's talents or services; to bide one's time until one can sell oneself or one's skills at a high value.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius believed that the rulers would implement his benevolent policies. While serving in the state of Lu, the ruler was under the sway of the powerful Ji family. Confucius could only lament, "If anyone would employ me, in a month something might be done, and in three years I should accomplish something." However, the Duke of Lu did not entrust him with significant responsibilities.
Confucius then stated, "When the state has the Way, one serves; when the state is without the Way, one withdraws." With the notion of '待贾而沽' (waiting for a good price to sell), he then embarked on journeys to various other states.