Tag Archives: danger

Truffles before swine

Posted on August 15, 2021 by Confanity

Or just about anything at all before a goat 鰹節を猫に預ける(Katsuobushi wo neko ni azukeru;“Entrusting katsuo shavings to a cat”) Definition: A dangerous situation where one can’t afford to let one’s guard down. Risking a loss by presenting someone with an … Continue reading →

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All in one basket, no less

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Confanity

累卵の危うき(Ruiran no ayauki;“The peril of a pile of eggs”) Definition: An especially unstable and dangerous situation. Potential downfall and ruin. Breakdown: We begin with the compound noun 累卵 (ruiran), literally a “pile of eggs.” This is joined by the associative … Continue reading →

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Waft your way to a win?

Posted on July 1, 2018 by Confanity

身を捨ててこそ浮かぶ瀬もあれ (Mi wo sutete koso ukabu se mo are; “There are rivers that you cross by throwing away your body”) Definition: Sometimes facing danger head-on is the only way to escape it. There are times when you need to be … Continue reading →

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Not applicable to salamanders

Posted on April 16, 2017 by Confanity

飛んで火に入る夏の虫 (Tonde hi ni iru natsu no mushi; “A summer bug that flies into a flame”) Definition: Continuing forward even though doing so means rushing, or at least preceding, headlong into danger. Recklessly inviting danger. “Like a moth to a … Continue reading →

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Or eggshells. Frozen eggshells?

Posted on July 17, 2016 by Confanity

薄氷を履むが如し (Hakuhyou wo fumu ga gotoshi; “Like treading on thin ice”) Definition: Being in an intensely dangerous situation. When a thick layer of ice covers a body of water, it can safely support people walking on it or even heavy … Continue reading →

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