凹くぼき所ところに水みず溜たまる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

when conditions are right, things work out naturally

Proverb meaning that if the necessary conditions are met, a favorable outcome will follow without forcing it. Rare and literary.

• 凹くぼき所ところに水みず溜たまるというように、準じゅん備びが整ととのえば自し然ぜんと道みちは開ひらけるものだ。

  As the saying goes, 'a sunken place will collect water' — when you are prepared, the way will open naturally.

expression, godan verb (-ru)

misfortune accumulates for those already in trouble

Rare alternative interpretation of the proverb: someone in a bad situation tends to attract more difficulties, like water pooling in a depression. Literary and rarely used.

• 凹くぼき所ところに水みず溜たまるの逆ぎゃく説せつ的てきな意い味みとして、不ふ運うんは重かさなるものだとも解かい釈しゃくされる。

  As a paradoxical reading of the proverb, it can also mean that misfortunes pile up.