Tag Archives: success

Not “as mysterious as the dark side of the moon”

Posted on April 22, 2020 by

(The closest to that seems to be 難知如陰, “as hard to know as a shadow.”) 風林火山 fuu.rin.ka.zan Literally: wind – woods – fire – mountain Alternately: The principle of dealing with things according to what’s most appropriate to the situation … Continue reading →

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On the up and up and away

Posted on September 4, 2019 by

立身出世 ri-.sshin.shu-.sse Literally: stand up – person – go out – society Alternately: Success in society; specifically, establishing oneself in a high (and well-paid) position. Achieving fame and fortune. Notes: This is a repetition-type compound; both risshin and shusse refer … Continue reading →

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Maybe they should make salmon streamers

Posted on May 5, 2019 by

鯉の滝登り (Koi no takinobori; “A carp climbing a waterfall”) Definition: Spectacular success in life. A person being as successful in society or career – in “the world” – as a carp that manages to overcome rapids and waterfalls in its … Continue reading →

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