“Mikä laulaen tulee, se viheltäen menee” – What comes singing goes whistling away

Meaning

“Mikä laulaen tulee, se viheltäen menee” translates literally to “What comes singing goes whistling away.” This Finnish proverb teaches that things acquired without effort are easily lost. In life, things gained through hard work and struggle are more valuable and tend to last, while those obtained easily or through dishonest means tend to disappear quickly.

The English expression “Easy come, easy go” conveys a similar message, highlighting that results achieved without effort are often temporary. Additionally, the Japanese expressions “棚からぼた餅” (literally “a rice cake falling from a shelf”) or “一攫千金” (meaning “getting rich quick”) imply that easy, unearned gains can have unforeseen drawbacks, echoing similar warnings.

Origin

This proverb reflects the Finnish values of “hard work” and “diligence.” In Finland, where long, harsh winters are common, survival has traditionally required careful planning and enduring labor. As a result, success achieved without effort is often regarded as “too easy to trust” and likely to be fleeting.

“Coming while singing” (laulaen) suggests something achieved effortlessly or playfully, while “going whistling” (viheltäen) implies that it disappears just as easily. This metaphor expresses the Finnish perspective that true, lasting success requires a commitment to careful effort.

Conclusion

“Mikä laulaen tulee, se viheltäen menee” is a Finnish proverb meaning “What comes singing goes whistling away.” It warns that easy gains or quick success are often temporary and easily lost. This expression reflects the Finnish cultural emphasis on hard work and planning.