Tag Archives: Chikamatsu Monzaemon

All ties weird and wonderful

Posted on October 4, 2020 by

A red thread binds them all? 縁は異なもの味なもの (En wa i na mono aji na mono; “A relationship is a strange thing, a wondrous thing”) Definition: The ties that bind two people together are mysterious, inexplicable, and often pleasantly weird. This … Continue reading →

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So you *can* make a mountain out of a molehill?

Posted on October 22, 2017 by

後は野となれ山となれ (Ato wa no to nare yama to nare; “After this, come field, come mountain.”) Definition: Not caring about what comes next as long as the current problem or issue can be finished up or taken care of. By extension, … Continue reading →

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Not looking for a catspaw, but…

Posted on July 3, 2017 by

Any hand in a storm. 猫の手も借りたい (Neko no te mo karitai; “Wanting to borrow even a cat’s hand”) Definition: Being so extremely busy that one is willing to accept help from anyone at all. So busy that any helping hand … Continue reading →

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They say he only likes it when you pat his belly

Posted on December 18, 2016 by

仏の顔も三度 (Hotoke no kao mo sando; “Even the Buddha’s face, three times”) Definition: Even the most gentle person will become angry if you treat them poorly on a frequent enough basis (often used in reference to rude behavior). Even the … Continue reading →

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