One cannot manage too many affairs; like pumpkins in water, one pops up while you try to hold down the other

Similar sayings:

He who could foresee affairs three days in advance would be rich for thousands of years He who could foresee affairs three days in advance would be rich for thousands of years
A book holds a house of gold A book holds a house of gold
Hold back some goods for a thousand days and you will be sure to sell at a profit Hold back some goods for a thousand days and you will be sure to sell at a profit
The water that bears the ship is the same that engulfs it The water that bears the ship is the same that engulfs it
One monk shoulders water by himself; two can still share the labor among them When it comes to three, they have to go thirsty One monk shoulders water by himself; two can still share the labor among them When it comes to three, they have to go thirsty

Chinese sayings and proverbs