Tag Archives: outside

Balanced on the head of a hinpin

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Confanity

文質彬彬 bun.shitsu.hin.pin Literally: style – substance – refined – refined Alternately: (A person in whom) external beauty and internal substance are in balance and harmony. Someone unbalanced in favor of their “interior” is crude, plain, unrefined. Someone unbalanced in favor … Continue reading →

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Like a plum!

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Confanity

An inversion of a previous yojijukugo: 外柔内剛 gai.juu.nai.gou Literally: outside – soft/weak/gentle – inside – sturdy/strong Alternately: Gentle but firm. An iron fist in a velvet glove. Speaking softly but carrying a big stick. Appearing soft or weak, but actually … Continue reading →

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Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside?

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Confanity

内柔外剛 nai.juu.gai.gou Literally: inside – soft/weak/gentle – outside – sturdy/strong Alternately: Acting tough but actually timid. Seeming strong but actually weak. “A lion abroad and a mouse at home.” Notes: This is a negative saying. It describes bullies, North Korea, … Continue reading →

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