Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.

In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.

Nothing in the world is more flexible and yielding than water. Yet when it attacks the firm and the strong, none can withstand it, because they have no way to change it. So the flexible overcome the adamant, the yielding overcome the forceful. Everyone knows this, but no one can do it.

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it

An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.

Muddy water, let stand - becomes clear