Closest Chinese expression冰冻三尺，非一日之寒
Pinyinbīng dòng sān chǐ, fēi yí rì zhī hán
Quick answer
The closest answer is 冰冻三尺，非一日之寒: A serious condition develops through accumulated causes over time.
Literal translation
Three feet of ice does not form from one day of cold.
Are they completely equivalent?
冰冻三尺，非一日之寒 often explains a deep-rooted problem, while the English proverb usually praises gradual construction. 滴水穿石 is better when the intended message is patient achievement.
When to use the Chinese saying
Choose the Chinese expression based on whether you mean accumulated causes or accumulated effort.
Other related Chinese expressions
A single English saying can point to different Chinese expressions depending on whether the speaker wants to emphasize action, patience, warning, hope, or social tone.
