"Opportunities come infrequently. When it rains gold, put out the bucket, not the thimble." - Warren Buffett

When Warren Buffett says, "Opportunities come infrequently. When it rains gold, put out the bucket, not the thimble," he refers to recognizing and seizing valuable investment opportunities when they present themselves.

Let's break down the metaphor:

1. "Opportunities come infrequently": Buffett emphasizes that genuinely great investment opportunities don't come around very often. These are when the market offers significantly undervalued assets or potential for substantial returns. Investors need to be patient and vigilant in their search for such opportunities.
2. "When it rains gold": This phrase implies that the market presents extraordinary chances to profit during specific periods. It's comparable to a rainfall of gold, symbolizing the abundance of valuable opportunities in the market.
3. "Put out the bucket, not the thimble": This is the crucial part of the statement. Buffett advises investors to take full advantage of these rare opportunities by acting decisively and with substantial capital. "Putting out the bucket" means allocating a significant portion of one's investment capital to take advantage of favorable conditions. In contrast, "the thimble" signifies a small, cautious approach to investing, which might cause investors to miss out on the full potential of the opportunity.

Buffett's statement reflects his belief in concentration and conviction investing. When he identifies an outstanding opportunity with excellent risk-reward potential, he commits a substantial portion of Berkshire Hathaway's capital to that investment. This philosophy is aligned with his famous quote: "Diversification is protection against ignorance. It makes little sense if you know what you are doing."

Overall, the message is clear: When you come across genuinely exceptional opportunities in the market, don't hesitate to take advantage of them with a significant commitment of capital. Be prepared to act decisively and take advantage of the potential for substantial returns.