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Author Archives: Confanity
Sal mirabilis
博引旁証 haku.in.bou.shou Literally: extensive – pull – to the side – evidence Alternately: As one member or side of a dispute or controversy, supporting one’s case by citing an extensive body of examples or material. Presenting a solid, perhaps overwhelming, … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged evidence, law, making a case, Morrison, politics, Vindman, Volker, Williams, 傍証, 博引, 旁証
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A midden of lucre
掃き溜めと金持ちは溜まるほど汚い (Hakidame to kanemochi wa tamaru hodo kitanai; “Dunghills and money get dirtier as they accumulate”) Definition: The more money someone has, the more money they want; an increase in wealth tends to bring increasing greed and selfishness rather than … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza
Tagged catch-22, corruption, 灰吹き, 金持ち, filthy lucre, money, 掃き溜め, 汚い
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In truth, I’m feeling feint
虚虚実実 kyo.kyo.jitsu.jitsu Literally: empty – empty – truth – truth Alternately: Two sides in a fierce battle, using every strategy and wile they can think of. Striving to avoid your enemy’s strengths (実) and attack their weaknesses (虚). Alternately, using … Continue reading
See also: obstruction of justice
証拠隠滅 shou.ko.in.metsu Literally: proof – foothold / based on – conceal – destroy Alternately: Destruction, suppression, or concealment of evidence. This phrase may be used metaphorically, but is most commonly encountered as actual criminal-justice jargon. Notes: Some legal contexts may … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged とあるシリーズ, crime, 犯罪, evidence, 隠滅, 証拠, law, political commentary
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Not even jackalopes, please
怪力乱神を語らず (Kairyoku ranshin wo katarazu; “Speaking not of spirits and demons”) Definition: A wise person does not indulge in talking about irrational or unreasonable things; a great person does not dabble in conspiracy or superstition. When you make an assertion, … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza, Yojijukugo
Tagged Analects, conspiracy theories, 論語, political commentary, responsibility, stealth yojijukugo, superstition, 孔子, 怪力, 乱神
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What you don’t know CAN kill you
夏虫疑氷 ka.chuu.gi.hyou Literally: summer – insect – doubt – ice Alternately: A person of extremely limited experience, knowledge, and discernment. Someone ignorant, doubtful, or distrustful of everything that falls outside of their own (meager) personal experience. Like an insect that … Continue reading
Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo
Tagged bugs, 疑冰, 疑氷, experience, 荘子, ignorance, limits, Zhuangzi, 夏虫
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The evillest nom
飼い犬に手を噛まれる (Kaiinu ni te wo kamareru; “Bitten on the hand by your pet dog”) Definition: To be betrayed or harmed in some way by someone you had deeply cared for, or taken care of on a regular basis. (In other … Continue reading →