Common short idioms

雀の涙

[suzume no namida]

Sparrow's tears – so little it's pitiful Sparrows are small, so their tears are also very few – an image symbolizing an amount that is too small, not enough to use. → Used to describe money, rewards, or benefits that are too meager.

立つ鳥跡を濁さず

[tatsu tori ato wo nigosazu]

A bird flying does not muddy the water – withdraw cleanly The bird flies away without leaving a mess – refers to leaving without causing trouble, maintaining dignity until the end. → Used as a reminder about proper conduct when quitting a job, moving house, breaking up, etc.

鶴の一声

[tsuru no hitokoe]

Crane's voice – one word is final The crane is a rare bird, and its call is considered noble and respected. This idiom refers to the words of someone with authority, who can decide everything. → Used to describe a person whose single statement settles matters, having great influence.

馬の骨

[uma no hone]

Horse bones – a person of unknown origin All horses look the same, you can't tell them apart by their bones. This idiom refers to people without reputation or unclear background. → Used with a disparaging tone for strangers, untrustworthy people, or those without status.

ごまめの歯ぎしり

[gomame no hagishiri]

"Anchovy gritting its teeth" – angry but unable to do anything ごまめ refers to a small fish without teeth. The image of "gritting teeth" here expresses anger but helplessness, lacking the power to resist. → Used to describe silent frustration, unable to change the situation.

蜂の巣をつついたよう

[hachi no su wo tsutsuita you]

stirring up a beehive – chaos, turmoil A broken beehive bursts open and becomes chaotic – this image symbolizes a situation becoming noisy and confused. → Used to describe a tense, noisy, and disorderly atmosphere.

ひっぱりだこ

[hippari dako]

Octopus being pulled away – a sought-after person Everyone wants the octopus, so it is fought over everywhere. This idiom refers to someone who is very famous and constantly invited. → Used to describe someone who is popular and busy because they are in high demand.

井の中の蛙（大海を知らず）

[inonaka no kawazu (taikai wo shirazu)]

A frog sitting at the bottom of a well – narrow-minded The frog only knows the small patch of sky seen from the well – this idiom refers to someone with a limited perspective who has not seen the vast world. → Used to criticize an attitude of complacency and lack of overall understanding.

蚊の鳴くような声

[kanonakuyōnakoe]

voice like a mosquito buzzing – tiny, murmuring A weak sound like a mosquito – this idiom is used to describe a voice that is too quiet, almost inaudible. → Used to describe a timid, unconfident voice, or a shy child.

まな板の上の鯉

[manaita no ue no koi]

fish on the chopping board – powerless, with no way out A fish lying on the chopping board just waiting to be dealt with – an image symbolizing a state of helplessness, with no way to resist. → Used when someone is cornered and can only wait for the outcome.

虫の息

[mushi no iki]

Insect's breath – faint, about to fade A breath as weak as a dying insect – this idiom refers to a person or thing in an extremely weak state, almost out of hope. → Used to describe exhausted health or a business on the verge of bankruptcy.

泣き面に蜂

[nakitsura ni hachi]

A crying face gets stung by a bee – misfortunes never come singly. Just finished crying and got stung by a bee – meaning, already suffering but more bad luck keeps piling up. → Used to describe situations where misfortunes follow one after another, getting worse each time.

鯖を読む

[saba wo yomu]

cheating in counting mackerel – falsifying numbers In the past, when selling mackerel (鯖), people often counted quickly and cheated. This idiom refers to deliberately giving a false number for personal gain. → Used when someone lies about their age, reduces quantities, or adjusts numbers to their advantage.

蓼食う虫も好き好き

[tade kuu mushi mo suki zuki]

Even caterpillars eat bitter herbs – everyone has their own taste 蓼 (bitter herb) is naturally bitter, yet there are caterpillars that like to eat it – this idiom emphasizes that preferences are unique to each person. → Used when you want to say "people's tastes are really hard to understand," even if you don't agree.

痘痕も靨

[abata mo ekubo]

Pitted scars are also dimples – love makes everything beautiful. When in love, even flaws become charming traits – an idiom expressing a biased perspective when you like someone. → Used to describe the feeling of 'love is blind'.

胡坐をかく

[agura wo kaku]

Sitting cross-legged – reaping benefits while staying idle A comfortable sitting posture, doing nothing – a metaphor for not making any effort but still enjoying the results. → Used to criticize a dependent attitude and lack of effort in work or study.