237Japanese idiom 四字熟語
千載一遇
せんざいいちぐうSenzai ichigū
“One meeting in a thousand years.”
The meaning
Some occasions do not come again. Recognizing them takes attention; seizing them requires being ready before they arrive.
At the origin
A four-character idiom of Chinese origin for unique chances.
The characters
In practice
Prepare in calm times: great occasions give no warning.
Editorial note
Classical Chinese origin.