Category Archives: Japanese

Like borrowing a cup

Posted on September 15, 2019 by Confanity

(Not a cup of sugar, mind you. Just a cup.) 人の褌で相撲を取る (Hito no fundoshi de sumou wo toru; “Doing sumo in someone else’s loincloth”) Definition: Using something that belongs to someone else for your own benefit or profit. Taking advantage … Continue reading →

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Gettin’ biblical before the match

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Confanity

緊褌一番 kin.kon.ichi.ban Literally: tense – loincloth – one – [ordinal counter] Alternately: To brace yourself mentally for something. To prepare to face difficulty or hardship, or at least a high-level competition of some sort. Literally, to gird one’s loins. Notes: … Continue reading →

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The fish not taken

Posted on September 8, 2019 by Confanity

By Robert Frost? 釣り落とした魚は大きい (Tsuriotoshia sakana wa ookii; “The fish that got away is big”) Definition: The things that you lost your chance at, or failed to get, seem all the more appealing because of the pain of missing out. … Continue reading →

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On the up and up and away

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Confanity

立身出世 ri-.sshin.shu-.sse Literally: stand up – person – go out – society Alternately: Success in society; specifically, establishing oneself in a high (and well-paid) position. Achieving fame and fortune. Notes: This is a repetition-type compound; both risshin and shusse refer … Continue reading →

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A flaw for lions

Posted on September 1, 2019 by Confanity

自慢は知恵の行き止まり (Jiman wa chie no yukidomari; “Pride is the dead end of wisdom”) Definition: When pride has taken root, arrogance follows and prevents further advancement. A lack of proper humility and modesty blinds people to their own faults and weaknesses, … Continue reading →

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Feet of clay, tongue of wood

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Confanity

Mouth of gold; break the mold 金口木舌 kin.kou.boku.zetsu Literally: gold / metal – mouth – tree / wood – tongue Alternately: Someone who leads the people through skillful (spoken) expression. A guide or leader of public opinion. The image is … Continue reading →

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Kenshi’s gambit

Posted on August 25, 2019 by Confanity

背に腹は代えられぬ (Se ni hara wa kaerarenu; “The belly can’t take the place of the back”) Definition: If something is vitally important, then other things may need to be sacrificed on its behalf, even if they are also important in their … Continue reading →

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Yeets, and shoots leaves

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Confanity

百発百中 hya-.ppatsu.hyaku.chuu Literally: hundred – emit – hundred – middle Alternately: Hitting the center of the target with every arrow or bullet fired. A 100% hit rate. Metaphorically, a person with plans or, especially, predictions that never fail. Notes: This … Continue reading →

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Wagahai wa Sam de aru

Posted on August 18, 2019 by Confanity

馬には乗ってみよ人には添うてみよ (Uma ni wa notte miyo hito ni wa soute miyo; “Try riding a horse; try accompanying a person”) Definition: It’s often difficult to understand the true nature of something without experiencing it firsthand, so don’t criticize or judge until … Continue reading →

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Get out of the blazing heat

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Confanity

円転滑脱 en.ten.katsu.datsu Literally: round – revolve – slide – remove Alternately: Able to change one’s words and actions in response to other people’s mood or situation, and thus get stuff done without ruffling feathers unnecessarily. Dealing with things skillfully. Adaptable; … Continue reading →

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