This is a Spanish phrase equivalent to the English saying 'you snooze, you lose'. It's used to express that if someone leaves their place or position, they risk losing it to someone else.
Examples
- Spanish: Juan, recuerda que 'el que se va para Aguadilla pierde su silla y el que de Aguadilla viene su silla tiene', así que no descuides tu trabajo.
- English: Juan, remember that 'he who goes to Aguadilla loses his seat and he who comes from Aguadilla has his seat', so don't neglect your work.