Meaning of the word "not go near the water until you learn how to swim" in English
What does "not go near the water until you learn how to swim" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
not go near the water until you learn how to swim
US /nɑt ɡoʊ nɪr ðə ˈwɔtər ənˈtɪl ju lɜrn haʊ tu swɪm/
UK /nɒt ɡəʊ nɪə ðə ˈwɔːtə ənˈtɪl ju lɜːn haʊ tu swɪm/
Idiom
to avoid a situation or activity until one is properly prepared or until it is safe, often used ironically to describe an impossible paradox
Example:
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Telling a beginner to get experience before applying is like saying not to go near the water until you learn how to swim.
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The bank won't give me a loan without credit, but I can't get credit without a loan; it's a case of not going near the water until you learn how to swim.