Tag Archives: limits

What you don’t know CAN kill you

Posted on October 30, 2019 by

夏虫疑氷 ka.chuu.gi.hyou Literally: summer – insect – doubt – ice Alternately: A person of extremely limited experience, knowledge, and discernment. Someone ignorant, doubtful, or distrustful of everything that falls outside of their own (meager) personal experience. Like an insect that … Continue reading →

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Yertle take note

Posted on January 13, 2019 by

雁が飛べば石亀も地団駄 (Gan ga tobeba ishigame mo jidanda; “When the goose flies, the turtle stamps”) Definition: To try to mimic someone else without any understanding of one’s own limitations. Like a turtle who sees a goose taking off in flight, tries … 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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