Search Results for: 礼記

Archery’s swan song

不失正鵠fu.shitsu.sei.koku Literally: not – lose / error – correct – swan Alternately: To correctly grasp the main point, meaning, or implication of something. To hit the nail on the head; to get a metaphorical bullseye. Notes: This is a compound … Continue reading

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Four steps or you stumble

It all boils down to the need for as many people as possible to agree to be good dancing partners for everyone else 礼楽刑政rei.gaku.kei.sei Literally: ceremony – leisure – punishment – government **but see below! Alternately: The four pillars necessary … Continue reading

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You and I, wacky together

Armpit noises??? 用和為貴you.wa.i.ki Literally: (to) use – harmony – do – valued Alternately: A statement that the most important thing is good relations between people. One should cherish positive interpersonal relations in all of society. Notes: This one is in … Continue reading

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Horizon-spanning hostility

A puffer-fish, going out of business? 不俱戴天fu.gu.tai.ten Literally: non – together – “be crowned with” / “live under” – sky Alternately: A hated enemy; deep and abiding antipathy toward someone. Someone you despise so much that you can’t bear to … Continue reading

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When you write the right rite

温柔敦厚 on.juu.ton.kou Literally: warm – soft – kind – thick / kind Alternately: Kind and gentle, considerate and loving. Notes: This is a compound of compounds. 温柔 expresses a warm, mild disposition; 敦厚 is humanity and kindness. Similar terms include … Continue reading

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Miss Clavel ran fast, and faster

When you’re afraid of a disaster, don’t just sit still, that’s all I’m saying. 疾風迅雷 shi-.ppuu.jin.rai Literally: rapid – wind – swift – thunder Alternately: High winds and a violent thunderstorm. By extension, any situation that develops rapidly or changes … Continue reading

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But humans turn to face our predators

苛政は虎よりも猛し (Kasei wa tora yori mo takeshi; “A cruel government is more terrible than a tiger”) Definition: The harm done by bad governance is worse than that done by a ravenous tiger. People fear wild nature, but often it poses … Continue reading

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