literally: 'to take advantage of the opportunity when the ground is soft enough to dig', an expression to curse someone to tell them to go and dig their own grave whilst the ground is still soft (i.e. they should take the chance now and go quickly to die), somewhat similar to the expression 'go to hell'; a more recent alternative interpretation to this phrase (used in a vulgar manner) is to tell someone to pack their bags and go whilst they have the chance