Tag Archives: ふんどし

On covering your butt

Posted on January 30, 2022 by Confanity

Both literally and metaphorically… not that a fundoshi actually covers much of the butt…. 義理と褌欠かされぬ(Giri to fundoshi kakasarenu;“Underwear and courtesy cannot be left lacking”) Definition: In the old days, it was acceptable for men doing hard labor to strip down … Continue reading →

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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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