Tag Archives: Book of Han

A warning

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Confanity

Or a simple observation of facts on the ground? 無理が通れば道理引っ込む (Muri ga tooreba douri hikkomu; “When unreason pushes through, reason withdraws”) Definition: In a society where irrational force carries the day, reasonable thinking breaks down – and justice does as … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do what I say, not what I say

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Confanity

朝令暮改 chou.rei.bo.kai Literally: morning – command – evening – reform / change Alternately: An unstable situation where it’s never clear what the rules are or what they’re going to be, because they’re being changed so frequently. Laws or decrees being … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Yojijukugo | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The danger of mouth-sweat

Posted on October 18, 2015 by Confanity

綸言汗の如し (Ringen ase no gotoshi; “Imperial words are like sweat.”) Definition: Words, like sweat, cannot be put back where they came from. Once a ruler has issued a command or decree, it cannot be changed or undone. Implicit in this … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese, Kotowaza | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments