Fortune and olives are alike; sometimes a man has it in abundance and other times not at all.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Fortune compared with variable olive abundance pictures changing circumstances. The saying contrasts plentiful periods with times of little or nothing.

What the words are saying

The agricultural image is not a crop forecast or evidence that fortunes follow a fixed cycle. A useful interpretation can encourage reassessment of resources without predicting recovery or blaming a shortfall. Actual conditions and support remain important, and abundance at one moment need not persist.

Everyday example

Someone revisits a plan when available resources change rather than assuming the earlier supply continues.

When to use it

Use it to discuss variability with outcomes unpromised.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.