Tag Archives: fingernails

Teeing up some self-improvement

Posted on September 19, 2021 by Confanity

爪の垢を煎じて飲む(Tsume no aka wo senjite nomu;“to boil and drink fingernail-dirt”) Definition: To follow a good example that someone has set. To learn from someone who excels, by doing whatever it takes to get any positive effect at all. Often referenced … Continue reading →

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Nail-biting suspense; nail-burning poverty

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Confanity

爪に火を点す (Tsume ni hi wo tomosu; “To light one’s (finger)nail”) Definition: Extreme penny-pinching. To be incredibly poor, or just incredibly stingy with one’s money. Being unable to afford even a candle – or unwilling to buy one – and instead … Continue reading →

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