Category Archives: Yojijukugo

Don’t be backhanded!

Posted on January 2, 2019 by

先手必勝 sen.te.hi-.sshou Literally: before – hand – certain – win Alternately: Who strikes first, wins. The early bird gets the worm. This phrase may be used to espouse a “first strike” mentality as a general philosophy, or to describe the … Continue reading →

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Rubbing elbows ‘cross the pond

Posted on December 26, 2018 by

一衣帯水 ichi.i.tai.sui Literally: one – garment – belt – water Alternately: A relatively thin strip of water, such as a river or narrow stretch of sea. By extension, two things that are very close together. Notes: Unusually among four-character compounds, … Continue reading →

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No rank, no file

Posted on December 19, 2018 by

It gets you off the grid! 無位無冠 mu.i.mu.kan Literally: nothing – rank – nothing – crown Alternately: An ordinary citizen. Having no special prestige from rank, title, official position, or status. Notes: A variant phrase replaces 冠 with 官 (also … Continue reading →

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Some cows give milk; this one says “Mu”

Posted on December 12, 2018 by

無為無能 mu.i.mu.nou Literally: nothing – do/benefit – nothing – ability Alternately: Not doing anything, and not able to do anything. A complete lack of action, and of ability to achieve anything significant. Idle and incompetent. Notes: Keep in mind that … Continue reading →

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Glance after equally-loving glance

Posted on December 5, 2018 by

No piquing, though 一視同仁 i-.sshi.dou.jin Literally: one – look – same – benevolence Alternately: Feeling equal affection for all, without prejudice or discrimination. Universal love, without consideration for rank, caste, or any of the other distinctions that normally divide us. … Continue reading →

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Epistolary epimetheum

Posted on November 28, 2018 by

妄言多謝 mou.gen.ta.sha Literally: blind/reckless – word – many – apology Alternately: This is a utilitarian phrase used to ask forgiveness after speaking in an imprudent, careless, or prejudiced way. For example, it may be found at the end of a … Continue reading →

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The problem with thigh drugs

Posted on November 21, 2018 by

I mean, *a problem 二股膏薬 futa.mata.kou.yaku Literally: two – thigh / crotch – lard / ointment – medicine Alternately: Being here and there; refusing to commit; changing one’s position or opinion based on what seems to be favorable at the … Continue reading →

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