Tag Archives: tact

Square Eggs that Look Round

Posted on April 25, 2021 by Confanity

“‘My dear old fish,’ said Mr Wonka, ‘go and boil your head!’” – he probably didn’t know about this saying. 丸い卵も切りようで四角(Marui tamago mo kiriyou de shikaku;“Even a round egg can be square, depending on how you cut it.”) Definition: A … Continue reading →

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In honor of the coming era

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Confanity

外交辞令 gai.kou.ji.rei Literally: outside – mix – word – decree Alternately: Tact and flattery. Phrasing a message to most please the listener, or going out of your way to praise and compliment them, without any sincere intent beyond the desire … Continue reading →

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If this post is too long, I can’t say I wasn’t warned

Posted on December 23, 2018 by Confanity

雉も鳴かずば撃たれまい (Kiji mo nakazuba utaremai; “Even the pheasant, if it doesn’t cry out, won’t be shot”) Definition: Said in response to times when someone caused problems for themselves by speaking when it would have been prudent not to. An admonition … Continue reading →

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