Monthly Archives: April 2021

I can see clearly now; I’m way up high

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Confanity

I can see all obstacles in my way 一望千里ichi.bou.sen.ri Literally: one – see / desire – thousand – ri Alternately: A broad, expansive vista. Being able to see out to a great distance with a single glance; having a bird’s-eye … Continue reading →

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Square Eggs that Look Round

Posted on April 25, 2021 by Confanity

“‘My dear old fish,’ said Mr Wonka, ‘go and boil your head!’” – he probably didn’t know about this saying. 丸い卵も切りようで四角(Marui tamago mo kiriyou de shikaku;“Even a round egg can be square, depending on how you cut it.”) Definition: A … Continue reading →

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We all agree with that man, Joe

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Confanity

And his Bizarre Adventures 満場一致man.jou.i-.cchi Literally: full – place – one – do Alternately: Universal accordance. Unanimity. There is not a single dissenting voice in the entire place / group / assembly. Notes: This is a relatively simple compound of … Continue reading →

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What if it’s made of hithlain?

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Confanity

一筋縄では行かない(Hitosuji nawa de wa ikanai;“A single rope won’t do”) Definition: A situation that can’t be handled using the ordinary means, or everyday methods. Especially refers to an enemy or opponent who can’t be overcome with one’s usual techniques or strategies. … Continue reading →

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A lance where your chin should be

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Confanity

枕戈待旦 chin.ka.tai.tan Literally: pillow – “spear”* – wait – sunrise Alternately: Always ready to give battle. Never dropping your guard or slacking off from necessary preparations. “Sleeping with a weapon as your pillow, awaiting the break of dawn.” Notes: This … Continue reading →

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By plop or by poit

Posted on April 11, 2021 by Confanity

天から降ったか地から湧いたか(Ten kara futta ka chi kara waita ka;“Fallen from the sky, or sprung from the earth”) Definition: A completely out-of-the-blue occurrence, or something or someone appearing suddenly as if out of nowhere. The image is of something being unexpectedly present … Continue reading →

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Make sure you get your ball back afterwards

Posted on April 7, 2021 by Confanity

一球入魂 i-.kkyuu.nyuu.kon Literally: one – sphere – enter / insert – soul Alternately: This phrase from the world of baseball refers to putting your full energy and focus into each action; specifically, putting everything you can into each throw of … Continue reading →

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May it be a light to you in dark places

Posted on April 4, 2021 by Confanity

…when all other lights go out – JRRT, FotR 長者の万灯より貧者の一灯(Chouja no mantou yori hinja no ittou;“A pauper’s single light is greater than a rich man’s ten thousand.”) Definition: There is greater honor in a poor person sincerely giving what they … Continue reading →

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Why that two-faced rat

Posted on April 2, 2021 by Confanity

Well, he looks that way sometimes 首鼠両端 shu.so.ryou.tan Literally: neck – mouse / rat – both – edge Alternately: Caught in indecision, often between two choices. Vacillating; sitting on the fence. By extension, the phrase can also refer to someone … Continue reading →

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