A man lived next to a violent neighbor and planned to sell his house to move away. Another person advised: “His misdeeds will soon pile up to bring his downfall; wait a little longer.”
The house owner replied: “I fear he will use me to complete his full tally of crimes.” He moved away immediately.
Hence the maxim: When trouble is imminent, no delay or procrastination should be made.
Note
When peril draws near, take prompt evasive action instead of waiting blindly; never risk being harmed waiting for wrongdoers to receive due punishment.
Late Warring States Legalist philosopher, uses this fable to teach prudent risk avoidance for rulers and civilians.
Idiom allusion of full tally of crimes
“Guàn mǎn”（full cudgel/tally）originated from ancient counting crimes with hollow sticks; full tally meant punishment arrives.
Risk management thinking
Legalists advocated early evasion of latent dangers instead of gambling on the foe’s self-destruction.
Daily fable for statecraft
Han Fei applies residential anecdote to governance: stay away from treacherous ministers before they bring nationwide disaster.
有與悍者鄰，欲賣宅而避之。人曰：「是其貫將滿矣，子姑待之。」答曰：「吾恐其以我滿貫也。」遂去之。故曰：「物之幾者，非所靡也。」
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