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Monthly Archives: October 2018
But what do you do with half a hemp-tangle?
Throw water on it, maybe 快刀乱麻 kai.tou.ran.ma Literally: pleasant – sword – disorder – hemp Alternately: Skillfully (and quickly) resolving a complicated situation or solving a complicated problem. Notes: 快刀 is a sword with a good cutting edge; 乱麻 is … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged Book of Northern Qi, problem-solving, skill, 北斉書, 快刀, 乱麻
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And now you understand 90% of every samurai movie
武士は食わねど高楊枝 (Bushi wa kuwanedo takayouji; “Even a warrior who hasn’t eaten uses a toothpick”) Definition: A destitute warrior who hasn’t eaten nonetheless acting like they have, in order to avoid revealing weakness to any potential enemies. By extension, putting on … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged brave face, classical Japanese grammar, 高ようじ, Iroha karuta, pretense, 武士, 三船敏郎
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