桃源郷 [Tōgenkyō]
Meaning: An idyllic, utopian haven.
Explanation: Referring to an idealized land free from the troubles of the world, it symbolizes a peaceful refuge from life’s hardships.
水魚の交わり [Suigyō no Majiwari]
Meaning: An exceptionally close relationship.
Explanation: Like water and fish, this expression signifies a bond that is inseparable and deeply intimate.
温故知新 [Onko Chishin]
Meaning: Learn new insights from the past.
Explanation: Emphasizing the importance of historical knowledge, this proverb advises that understanding the old can enlighten the path to the future.
漁夫の利 [Gyofu no Ri]
Meaning: When two fight, a third gains the advantage.
Explanation: This phrase warns that while two parties are at odds, an outsider may seize the opportunity to benefit from their conflict.
烏の行水 [Karasu no Gyōsui]
Meaning: A rare occurrence.
Explanation: Just as it is uncommon to see a crow taking a bath, this idiom denotes an event that is highly unlikely to happen.
烏合の衆 [Ugō no Shū]
Meaning: A disorganized mob.
Explanation: It criticizes a group that lacks discipline and unity, implying that without coherent leadership, chaos prevails.
犬も歩けば棒に当たる [Inu mo Arukeba Bō ni Ataru]
Meaning: Even a dog may stumble upon a rod.
Explanation: This proverb suggests that taking action, even by those who seem insignificant, may lead to unexpected luck or misfortune.
狐につままれる [Kitsune ni Tsumamareru]
Meaning: To be completely bewildered.
Explanation: It describes a state of confusion as if one has been enchanted by a fox—an occurrence that defies ordinary explanation.
猫に小判 [Neko ni Koban]
Meaning: Casting pearls before swine.
Explanation: Offering something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate it is futile, much like giving gold coins to a cat.
猫の手も借りたい [Neko no Te mo Karitai]
Meaning: So busy, you’d even accept a cat’s help.
Explanation: Used to describe an extremely hectic situation where every bit of assistance—even from the most unlikely source—is welcome.
猫を被る [Neko wo Kaburu]
Meaning: To hide one’s true nature behind a façade.
Explanation: This phrase refers to someone who deliberately masks their real personality to appear mild or agreeable.
玉石混淆 [Gyokuseki Konkō]
Meaning: A mix of gems and stones.
Explanation: It describes a situation where good and bad elements coexist, making it hard to distinguish quality from mediocrity.
画竜点睛を欠く [Garyō Tensē wo Kaku]
Meaning: Lacking the finishing touch.
Explanation: No matter how fine the overall work, the absence of that final detail can ruin the whole effort.
疑心暗鬼を生ず [Gishin Anki wo Shōzu]
Meaning: Doubt begets further suspicion.
Explanation: Once doubt arises, it can snowball into an atmosphere of mistrust and anxiety, cautioning against letting suspicion take hold.
登竜門 [Tōryūmon]
Meaning: The gateway to success.
Explanation: Originating from the legend of dragons, this term refers to a crucial challenge or opportunity that, if overcome, paves the way for a breakthrough.
百発百中 [Hyappatsu Hyakuchū]
Meaning: A hundred shots, every one hits the target.
Explanation: This idiom is used to commend someone or something that consistently succeeds, no matter how difficult the challenge.
百聞は一見に如かず [Hyakubun wa Ikken ni Shikazu]
Meaning: Seeing is believing.
Explanation: It emphasizes that firsthand experience or observation is far more convincing than repeated hearsay.
矛盾 [Mujun]
Meaning: A contradiction.
Explanation: A straightforward expression used to describe conflicting ideas or actions that do not align logically.
破天荒 [Hatenkō]
Meaning: Unprecedented and revolutionary.
Explanation: This term praises actions or ideas that defy convention, achieving breakthroughs that were once thought impossible.
破竹の勢い [Hachiku no Ikioi]
Meaning: An unstoppable force.
Explanation: Just as a bamboo shoot is effortlessly split, this phrase illustrates progress that is rapid and unyielding.
窮鼠猫を噛む [Kyūsoneko wo Kamu]
Meaning: Even a trapped mouse can bite a cat.
Explanation: It teaches that even those who appear weak can fight back fiercely when cornered.
竹馬の友 [Chikuba no Tomo]
Meaning: Childhood friends bound by shared adventures.
Explanation: Evoking images of friends playing together on bamboo stilts, this idiom signifies a bond forged from early experiences.
羊頭狗肉 [Yōtō Kuniku]
Meaning: All show and no substance.
Explanation: This expression warns against situations where impressive appearances mask a lack of real value or integrity.
背水の陣 [Haisui no Jin]
Meaning: A battle with no retreat.
Explanation: It describes a do-or-die situation in which one commits fully, leaving no option but to fight until the end.
臥薪嘗胆 [Gashin Shōtan]
Meaning: To endure hardships for future success or revenge.
Explanation: Inspired by a legendary tale of perseverance, it encourages one to use past sufferings as fuel for eventual triumph.
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