shuǐ水waterdào到arriveqú渠channelchéng成form
When the water flows, the channel forms — things work out when conditions are right.
Literal meaning
water (水) — arrive (到) — channel (渠) — form (成)
Origin
A Song-dynasty phrase capturing the natural-process observation that a riverbed forms where water actually flows. Used since as advice to stop forcing outcomes and let them follow from the underlying conditions.
Examples
Tiáo条jiàn件chéng成shú熟，shuǐ水dào到qú渠chéng成。
When conditions are ready, things fall into place.
Bú不yào要miǎn勉qiǎng强，shuǐ水dào到qú渠chéng成。
Don't force it — things will work out naturally.
Usage & nuances
Calming, advice tone. Common when consoling someone anxious about an outcome.
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