Idiom cuts

1872 candidates didn’t make the list. Each has a reason, so you can ask for any of them back.

Within each group, the most frequent in the subtitle corpus come first; × is how many times it was heard.

Maybe (122)

Strong idioms that only just missed.

• me o samasucome to your senses525×Noticing & the mind. Literally “wake the eyes”. The figurative 'me o samase!' (snap out of it, wake up to reality) is a stock line, but most of its 525 hits are literal waking up.
• inochi o kakerurisk one's life, stake everything on215×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “bet one's life”. 'Stake your life on it', also used loosely (inochi kakete). The top count here (215 to 270, including inochigake), though drama inflates it. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• te o hikupull out, back off, quit189×Getting on with people. Literally “pull back one's hand”. Common (about 150 hits): back off, pull out of a deal (kono ken kara te o hike). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• inochi no onjinthe person who saved one's life (often jokingly)138×Getting on with people. Literally “benefactor of one's life”. Common, often as a joke (138 hits): you saved my life. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• sama ni narulook the part, look natural doing it131×What people are like. Literally “it takes on a proper form”. 'Look the part' (sama ni natteru); common praise, though the true count is hard to separate from 'you ni naru'. 2 of 3 judges kept it.
• te ga todokube within reach; afford; nearly (an age)117×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one's hand reaches”. Reach, afford, or nearly hit an age (yonjuu ni te ga todoku); common (52) and nothing kept says it. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kuchi o waruconfess, spill the secret103×Talking & listening. Literally “split one's mouth”. Strong count (95-104): 'finally talks' about a suspect, also joked about friends who won't spill (nakanaka kuchi o waranai).
• te o tsukusutry every possible means88×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “use up every move”. The standard 'we did everything we could' line (dekiru dake no te wa tsukushita). 82 hits.
• kibun tenkana change of pace, something to refresh yourself85×Feelings & temper. Literally “mood switch”. A four-character phrase you hear constantly: 'kibun tenkan ni sanpo' (a walk for a change of pace). 85 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• okotoba desu gawith respect, I have to disagree83×Talking & listening. Literally “it is your word, but”. The polite way to disagree with a superior; 83 hits, mostly workplace drama. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• todome o sasufinish off, deliver the final blow81×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “stab the finishing blow”. Finish off, deliver the final blow; common (78). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• iinari ni narudo whatever someone says, be under their thumb77×Getting on with people. Literally “become (someone's) as-said”. Common (92 hits): do whatever someone says (oya no iinari). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• me ni surusee, come across, lay eyes on76×Noticing & the mind. Literally “put it to the eye”. The eye twin of the kept mimi ni suru: 'see, come across' (hajimete me ni shita); about 150 hits, a touch formal.
• takaku tsukuturn out costly; you'll pay dearly75×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “come out high”. It'll cost you dearly; common (66). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• oteageI give up, I'm stumped74×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “hands up”. Very common 'I give up, I'm stumped' (mou oteage da). 74 hits. It's one word, but a figurative one.
• tada ja sumanaiyou won't get away with this; there'll be consequences69×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “won't end for free”. There'll be consequences, you won't get away with this; common (61). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• haji shirazushameless (person)65×What people are like. Literally “not knowing shame”. 'Shameless' (65 hits); a common insult. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• nayami no tanea source of worry, a headache (zutsuu no tane)64×Feelings & temper. Literally “the seed of worry”. The everyday way to name 'my big headache' (a person or a problem). About 30 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ikkoku mo hayakuas soon as possible, without a moment to lose63×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “even one moment sooner”. The common 'as soon as possible, no time to lose'. 63 to 65 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ki o sorasudistract (someone), take your mind off60×Noticing & the mind. Literally “turn the spirit aside”. 'Distract, take your mind off' (ki o sorasu tame ni); 60 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• waraimono ni narubecome a laughing stock57×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “become a laughed-at person”. Become a laughing stock; common (67 for waraimono). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• on o kaesurepay a kindness (ongaeshi = paying someone back)56×Getting on with people. Literally “return a debt of kindness”. Common (56 hits): repay a kindness (ongaeshi). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• junbi bantanall set, fully prepared53×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “preparations complete in every respect”. Common 'all set, ready to go' (junbi bantan da). 53 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hoka o atarutry someone or somewhere else (hoka o atatte = go ask someone else)48×Getting on with people. Literally “hit (try) others”. Common brush-off (25 hits): hoka o atatte = go ask someone else.
• shirokujichuuall the time, day and night46×Noticing & the mind. Literally “four times six hours, throughout”. Everyday four-character 'all the time, day and night' (shirokujichuu issho ni iru); 46 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• higai mousouparanoid, imagining people are against you46×Noticing & the mind. Literally “delusion of being harmed”. Casual 'you're being paranoid' (higai mousou ja nai?); 46 hits.
• ki ga douten surube thrown into a panic, be badly shaken45×Feelings & temper. Literally “the spirit is overturned”. The usual way to say 'I panicked / I was in shock' (ki ga douten shite...). About 77 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kao o awaserusee, run into, come face to face with someone42×Getting on with people. Literally “put faces together”. Common (38 hits): face someone, run into them (kao o awaseru no ga kimazui).
• kimo ni meijirutake it to heart, never forget (a lesson)40×Noticing & the mind. Literally “engrave it on my liver”. The set formal reply after a warning (kimo ni meijimasu = I'll take it to heart); 34 hits, high in TV drama.
• ikkan no owariit's all over; done for38×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the end of the scroll”. It's all over, done for; common (38).
• shoushin shoumeigenuine, the real thing38×What people are like. Literally “truly genuine, correctly signed”. 'The real deal, genuine' (38 hits); common for stressing something is authentic. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• otenami haikenlet's see what you've got (a teasing challenge)36×What people are like. Literally “humbly viewing your handiwork”. 'Let's see what you've got' (28 hits); a common teasing challenge.
• yaritai houdaidoing whatever one pleases, running wild35×What people are like. Literally “doing what one wants, unrestrained”. 'Doing whatever they please' (35 hits); a common complaint about someone running wild. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• iigakari o tsukeruto make a groundless accusation; pick a fight34×Talking & listening. Literally “attach a pretext”. 'That's a false accusation!' (iigakari da / iigakari tsukeru na); 35 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kokoro no soko karasincerely, truly (kokoro no soko de wa = deep down)34×Feelings & temper. Literally “from the bottom of the heart”. The go-to 'from the bottom of my heart' for thanks and apologies (about 62 hits).
• saki wa nagaithere's a long way to go (saki ga nagakunai = not long left)34×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “what's ahead is long”. Common 'there's still a long way to go' (mada saki wa nagai). 34 to 35 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• shudan o erabanaistop at nothing34×What people are like. Literally “not choose one's means”. 'Stop at nothing' (about 24 to 34 hits); common about ruthless people.
• hora o fukutell tall tales (horafuki = a teller of tall tales)33×Talking & listening. Literally “blow the conch”. Tell tall tales (hora fuku na; a horafuki is a big talker); 32 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• chara ni surucall it even, cancel (a debt or a grudge)33×Getting on with people. Literally “make it zero”. Common casual (18 hits): call it even (kore de chara ne). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• engi ga waruiunlucky, a bad omen (engi ga ii = lucky)33×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the omen is bad”. Unlucky, a bad omen (engi demo nai = don't even say that); common (42). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• seken shirazunaive, sheltered, doesn't know how the world works32×What people are like. Literally “not knowing the world”. 'Naive about the world' (32 hits); common about sheltered people. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ichibu shijuuthe whole story, every detail31×Talking & listening. Literally “every part, from beginning to end”. 'The whole thing, start to finish' (ichibu shijuu mite ita); 31 hits.
• hanashi ga wakarube reasonable, easy to deal with (hanashi no wakaru hito)31×What people are like. Literally “understands talk”. 'Reasonable, easy to deal with' (about 31 hits); common as hanashi ga wakaru ne. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hanashi ni norugo along with an offer, be in on it30×Getting on with people. Literally “ride the story”. Common casual (21 hits): go along with an offer (sono hanashi, noru yo = count me in).
• ippou tsuukouone-sided (love, conversation, effort)30×Getting on with people. Literally “one-way traffic”. Common for one-sided love or talk (kataomoi de ippou tsuukou); 30 hits, some literal traffic.
• deru maku ja naiit's not my (your) place to step in29×Getting on with people. Literally “not the act where I come on”. Common (28 hits): it's not my place to step in (ore no deru maku ja nai).
• kai ga arube worth it, pay off (matta kai ga atta = it was worth the wait)29×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “there is worth”. Common 'it was worth it' (ganbatta kai ga atta). 24 to 29 hits.
• sujiai wa naiyou have no right (anta ni iwareru sujiai wa nai)29×Getting on with people. Literally “there is no logical thread”. Common in arguments (32 hits): you've no right (anta ni iwareru sujiai wa nai).
• doudou megurigoing round in circles (an argument, a meeting)28×Talking & listening. Literally “circling the temple hall”. Going round in circles (giron ga doudou meguri); 28 hits.
• gara ja naiit's not like me, I'm not the type28×What people are like. Literally “not (my) pattern”. 'Not my style' (about 19 hits); a common casual way to say something isn't like you.
• nani kara nani madeeverything, every last thing27×Getting on with people. Literally “from what to what”. Common (26 hits): every last thing (nani kara nani made osewa ni natte).
• muda ashia wasted trip27×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “wasted feet”. Everyday 'it was a wasted trip' (muda ashi datta). 25 hits, and nothing kept says it.
• kiyasume ni narube a small comfort (kiyasume ni mo naranai = no comfort at all; tada no kiyasume = just for peace of mind)25×Feelings & temper. Literally “become a rest for the mind”. Heard often as 'tada no kiyasume' (just for peace of mind) and 'kiyasume ni mo naranai' (no comfort at all). About 38 hits.
• makizoe o kuuget dragged into someone else's trouble24×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “eat the getting-wrapped-in”. Get dragged into someone else's trouble; makizoe (ni naru, o kuu) is very common (97).
• otosata ga naihaven't heard a word from someone; no news at all22×Getting on with people. Literally “no sound and no news”. Common (27 hits): haven't heard a word from someone (nan no otosata mo nai).
• kokoro o kometewith love, wholeheartedly21×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “packing the heart in”. Very common 'made with love, wholeheartedly' (kokoro o komete tsukutta). 21 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• rinki ouhenflexibly, as the situation demands21×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “meet the occasion, respond to change”. A four-character phrase people really say at work: 'play it by ear, adapt as needed'. 21 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• gobu gobufifty-fifty, even odds21×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “five tenths, five tenths”. Fifty-fifty, even odds; common (20).
• baka shoujikihonest to a fault21×What people are like. Literally “foolishly honest”. 'Honest to a fault' (about 19 hits); common, often as baka shoujiki ni.
• hitosujinawa ja ikanaiit's not that simple, a tough one20×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one rope won't do it”. Common 'it's not that simple', said of tough people and problems. 20 hits.
• saisaki ga iia good start, a good omen20×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the luck ahead is good”. A good start, a good sign (saisaki ga ii ne); common (28).
• mune o harube proud, stand tall19×Feelings & temper. Literally “puff out one's chest”. 'mune o hatte' (say it, or live, with your head held high) is common, and different from hana ga takai.
• zettai zetsumeia desperate spot with no way out19×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “body cut off, life cut off”. A desperate spot with no way out; a four-character phrase people really say (11-19).
• ki ga iigood-natured (ki no ii yatsu)19×What people are like. Literally “the spirit is good”. 'Good-natured' (ki no ii yatsu, about 28 hits); common, just missed.
• mi ni shimirureally hit home (kindness, a lesson, the cold)17×Feelings & temper. Literally “soak into the body”. Common for kindness, a lesson or the cold really hitting home (about 17 hits).
• itabasami ni narube caught between two sides17×Getting on with people. Literally “be squeezed between boards”. Common (17 hits): caught between two sides (boss and staff, wife and mother).
• ukanai kao o surulook glum, look down17×Feelings & temper. Literally “wear a face that doesn't float”. 'nani ukanai kao shiteru no?' (why the long face?) is a natural, common line (about 18 hits).
• ki o hikishimerubrace yourself, stay sharp17×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “pull your ki tight”. 'Brace yourself, stay sharp' (ki o hikishimete ikou). 16 hits, common in team talk.
• suteta mon ja nainot so bad after all17×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “not something to throw away”. Not so bad after all (jinsei suteta mon ja nai); warm and common (17).
• hara o kukurubrace yourself and commit16×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “tie up one's belly”. Brace yourself and commit; common (15).
• tanomi no tsunayour last hope, the one thing you can count on16×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “rope of reliance”. Your last hope, the one thing you can count on; common (16).
• me to hana no sakiright nearby15×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the tip between the eyes and the nose”. The everyday 'it's right around the corner'. 15 hits.
• wakage no itariyouthful folly15×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the height of youthful spirit”. Youthful folly, said about your own past; common (15).
• mimi o sumasulisten carefully, strain to hear14×Talking & listening. Literally “clear the ears”. Listen closely for a sound (mimi o sumashite); 29 hits.
• zengen tekkaiI take that back14×Talking & listening. Literally “retraction of previous words”. Jokey four-character 'I take that back!'; 14 hits.
• boro ga deruyour flaws or lies show through13×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the rags show”. Your flaws or lies show through (boro ga deru, boro o dasu); common (13).
• ikiatari battarihaphazard, winging it13×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “bumping into whatever you hit”. Common 'haphazard, winging it' (ikiatari battari no ryokou). 13 hits.
• kaomuke dekinaitoo ashamed to face someone13×Getting on with people. Literally “can't turn one's face to”. Common (11 hits, judged 4): too ashamed to face someone (oya ni kaomuke dekinai).
• moto mo ko mo naiyou'd lose everything, it defeats the purpose12×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “neither principal nor interest left”. Lose everything, defeat the purpose (shinjattara moto mo ko mo nai); common (12).
• kurabemono ni naranaithere's no comparison, in another league12×What people are like. Literally “doesn't become a thing to compare”. 'There's no comparison' (about 8 hits); common in everyday comparisons.
• yaruki manmanraring to go, all fired up11×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “motivation brimming over”. Everyday 'raring to go, all fired up'. 11 hits, but it's a casual phrase the corpus under-counts.
• shi no go no iumake a fuss, raise objections10×Talking & listening. Literally “say four, say five”. Everyday 'no ifs or buts' (shi no go no iu na); 10 hits.
• warui koto wa iwanaitake my advice, it's for your own good10×Talking & listening. Literally “I'm not saying anything bad”. The everyday 'take my advice' (warui koto wa iwanai kara yamete oki na); under-counted at 7.
• seki no yamathe most one can manage, the best one can hope for10×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the mountain at the checkpoint”. Common 'the best you can hope for' (~suru no ga seki no yama da). 10 hits.
• hane o nobasukick back while free of constraints9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “stretch one's wings”. Everyday 'kick back while the boss or parents are away'. Only 8 hits, but the corpus under-counts casual talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ma ga sasusomething came over me (excuse for a lapse)9×Feelings & temper. Literally “a demon slips in”. The standard excuse 'something came over me' (tsui ma ga sashite). Common even though the count is only 9.
• kurushii toki no kamidanomiturning to someone (or God) only when in trouble9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “praying to the gods in hard times”. Only praying (or calling) when you're in trouble; a saying people really use (9).
• sonae areba urei nashiprepare now and you won't regret it9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “if you're prepared, there's nothing to worry about”. Be prepared and you won't need to worry; a common saying (9).
• ichimai uwatea cut above; one step ahead9×What people are like. Literally “one sheet higher”. 'A cut above, one step ahead' (9 hits); common when someone outplays you.
• kyun to surufeel a pang (of love or cuteness), melt9×Feelings & temper. Literally “go 'kyun'”. The usual casual word for a cute or romantic pang (kyun to shita). Common in real talk and under-counted here.
• jikkan ga wakuit sinks in, it feels real (mada jikkan ga wakanai = it hasn't sunk in yet)9×Noticing & the mind. Literally “a real feeling wells up”. 'It hasn't sunk in yet' (mada jikkan ga wakanai) is very common in real talk, though the film corpus has only about 7 hits.
• owari yokereba subete yoshia good ending makes up for the trouble8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “if the end is good, all is good”. A good ending makes up for the trouble; commonly said (8).
• sore o itcha oshimaithat's the one thing you can't say, it kills the conversation8×Talking & listening. Literally “if you say that, it's over”. 'Well, if you say that, there's nothing more to say'; 11 hits, common in chat.
• uyamuya ni suruleave a matter unresolved, let it slide, fudge it8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “make it is-it-or-isn't-it”. Leave it unresolved, fudge it (uyamuya ni suru na); common (8).
• tsubo ni hairucrack someone up, be hilarious to them7×Feelings & temper. Literally “get into the pressure point”. Everyday casual slang for something cracking you up. Subtitles barely catch it, so the count is low. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• zen wa isogeno time like the present7×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “hurry with good things”. A saying people really say when they're about to act ('zen wa isoge, ikou!'). Only 7 hits, but foreign-film subtitles under-count it.
• takane no hanasomeone or something out of reach6×Getting on with people. Literally “a flower on a high peak”. Well known and really said (6 hits): someone out of your reach, often a crush. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• chi wa arasoenaiit runs in the family6×What people are like. Literally “blood cannot be fought”. 'It runs in the family' (6 hits); the everyday way to say a child takes after a parent.
• kore mo nanika no enit must be fate (that we met); let's make the most of it6×Getting on with people. Literally “this too is some kind of bond”. Common social line (judged 4): it must be fate we met, let's make the most of it.
• choushi ga iiglib, says whatever suits them (said of a person)5×What people are like. Literally “the rhythm is good”. 'Glib, says whatever suits them' (choushi ii koto itte); common in casual talk, though the count mixes in 'feeling good'.
• manzara de mo naisecretly pleased5×Feelings & temper. Literally “not entirely bad”. Very common in casual talk ('secretly pleased'), even though the corpus shows only 14 hits.
• yabuhebimeddling that backfires on you5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “(poke) the bush, (get) a snake”. Poking that backfires on you; one word like tanabota (which made the list) and common in talk.
• nigashita sakana wa ookiiwhat you missed out on always seems better5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the fish that got away is big”. What you missed always looks better; commonly said (5).
• hi ga asaiit hasn't been long (since starting, since meeting)5×What people are like. Literally “the days are shallow”. 'It hasn't been long' (5 hits); common in speech as mada hi ga asai.
• nemimi ni mizucomplete surprise, out of nowhere4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “water in a sleeping ear”. A complete surprise out of nowhere; a saying people really use (4).
• shikii ga takaifeel intimidated about going somewhere (too fancy, or you owe them a visit)4×Getting on with people. Literally “the threshold is high”. Very commonly said (judged 4): a place feels too fancy or awkward to walk into; under-counted at 4 hits.
• dosakusa ni magiretetaking advantage of the confusion4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “blending into the commotion”. Taking advantage of the confusion; common (6).
• houkou onchihave no sense of direction3×What people are like. Literally “tone-deaf to directions”. 'No sense of direction'; very common in everyday chat, though film subtitles show only 3.
• i no naka no kawazusomeone who thinks they're the best because they've seen so little3×What people are like. Literally “a frog in a well”. 'A frog in a well' (3 hits); the best-known saying for someone who's seen too little, genuinely said. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• mago ni mo ishouanyone looks good when dressed up (a teasing compliment)3×What people are like. Literally “fine clothes even on a packhorse driver”. 'Anyone looks good dressed up', a teasing compliment people really say to friends, though subtitles show 2.
• hitozukai ga araiworks people too hard2×Getting on with people. Literally “one's use of people is rough”. Common workplace complaint (judged 4): works people too hard; under-counted at 1 hit.
• oya no sune o kajirulive off one's parents1×Getting on with people. Literally “gnaw on one's parents' shins”. Common in everyday talk about adult children living off their parents (sune kajiri); under-counted at 1 hit.
• oya no nanahikarisuccess thanks to a famous or powerful parent1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the parent's seven lights”. Success thanks to a famous parent; common in talk about celebrities and bosses' kids.
• ii toko dorigetting the best of each option1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “taking the good parts”. Getting the best of each option; very common casual (ii toko dori da ne). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• yo no naka sonna ni amaku nailife isn't that easy; it doesn't work like that1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the world is not that sweet”. Life isn't that easy; said all the time. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hito wa hito jibun wa jibundon't compare yourself with others1×Getting on with people. Literally “others are others, I am me”. Common advice (others are others, you're you); under-counted at 1 hit.
• tama no koshi ni norumarry into money—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “ride a jewelled palanquin”. Marry into money; a well-used saying.
• hikkomi ga tsukanaican't back down (having said it)—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “can't manage a retreat”. Can't back down after what you said; common in everyday talk.
• hana yori dangopractical things, like food, over beauty or show—What people are like. Literally “dumplings over flowers”. 'Food over flowers'; a stock joke people genuinely make, though film subtitles show 0. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ka mo naku fuka mo nakuso-so, nothing special either way—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “neither passing nor failing”. So-so, nothing special either way; common in everyday verdicts on food and films.
• baka wa kaze o hikanai(teasing) idiots never get sick—What people are like. Literally “fools don't catch colds”. 'Idiots never get sick'; a stock tease when someone stays healthy, though subtitles show 0.
• pinchi wa chansua crisis is an opportunity—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a pinch is a chance”. A crisis is a chance; a modern saying people say all the time.

Already covered (186)

An idiom in the list says the same thing.

• kentou ga tsukuhave an idea (kentou mo tsukanai = no idea at all)251×Noticing & the mind. Literally “an estimate takes hold”. Covered by kentou-mo-tsukanai. Same idiom; it is almost always said in the negative, kept as kentou mo tsukanai.
• kentou ga tsukanaihave no idea, can't even guess251×Noticing & the mind. Literally “no estimate attaches”. Covered by kentou-mo-tsukanai. A variant of kentou mo tsukanai (no idea at all), which is kept.
• mimi o katamukerulisten closely, heed195×Talking & listening. Literally “tilt one's ear”. Covered by mimi-o-kasu. Formal, speech-style version of the kept mimi o kasu (listen to someone). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kao o miserushow your face, come and visit138×Getting on with people. Literally “show your face”. Covered by kao-o-dasu. Show your face, come visit; the kept kao o dasu says the same. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kari o kaesupay someone back (a favour); get even120×Getting on with people. Literally “return what was borrowed”. Covered by kari-ga-aru. Paying back a favour is part of the kept kari ga aru family (kari wa kaesu). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kecchaku o tsukerusettle it once and for all (kecchaku ga tsuku = be settled)113×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “attach a conclusion”. Covered by keri-o-tsukeru. Settle it once and for all; keri o tsukeru says the same. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ki wa tashika?are you out of your mind?112×Noticing & the mind. Literally “is your mind sound?”. Covered by dou-ka-shiteru. Its 112 hits are mostly dubbing of 'are you crazy?'; real talk says dou ka shiteru or shouki?
• kashi ga arusomeone owes you one94×Getting on with people. Literally “have a loan out (to someone)”. Covered by kari-ga-aru. The other side of the kept kari ga aru (you owe me one). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kata o tsukerusettle it, finish it off (kata ga tsuku = it gets settled)87×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “attach the closing piece”. Covered by keri-o-tsukeru. Settle it; keri o tsukeru says the same.
• imi fumeimakes no sense, baffling81×Noticing & the mind. Literally “meaning unclear”. Covered by wake-ga-wakaranai. Same 'makes no sense' as the kept wake ga wakaranai; imi fumei (slang imifu) is the snappier young version, 81 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• aite ni narutake someone on (ore ga aite ni natte yaru); keep someone company (hanashi aite ni naru); aite ni naranai = no match66×Getting on with people. Literally “become the opponent/partner”. Covered by aite-ni-suru. Take someone on or keep them company; same aite family as the kept aite ni suru.
• ri ni kanaumake sense, be reasonable (usually ri ni kanatte iru)61×Noticing & the mind. Literally “match reason”. Covered by suji-ga-tooru. 'Makes sense, is reasonable' is covered by the kept suji ga tooru. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• te o sashinoberureach out to help59×Getting on with people. Literally “hold out a hand”. Covered by te-o-kasu. Reach out to help; the kept te o kasu says it.
• aite ni shinaiignore, not bother with someone58×Getting on with people. Literally “not make them your opponent”. Covered by aite-ni-suru. The negative of the kept aite ni suru.
• mizu no awa ni narucome to nothing, all wasted56×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “become bubbles on the water”. Covered by mizu-no-awa. Just mizu no awa with naru; the kept entry covers it.
• do ga sugirugo too far (a joke, a prank)56×Getting on with people. Literally “the degree passes”. Covered by ni-mo-hodo-ga-aru. Going too far (joudan ga do ga sugiru); the kept ni mo hodo ga aru says the same. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hone o orugo to a lot of trouble for someone55×Getting on with people. Literally “break one's bones”. Covered by hone-ga-oreru. The doer's side of the kept hone ga oreru (go to a lot of trouble). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• tsujitsuma ga auadd up, be consistent (a story)54×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the seams line up”. Covered by tsujitsuma-ga-awanai. The positive of the kept tsujitsuma ga awanai; people mostly say the negative.
• koke ni surumake a fool of, mock43×Getting on with people. Literally “make a fool of”. Covered by baka-ni-suru. Make a fool of; the kept baka ni suru says the same.
• waraigoto ja naithis is serious, it's no joke43×Feelings & temper. Literally “it's not a laughing matter”. Covered by share-ni-naranai. 'This is no joke'. share ni naranai says the same. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ki ni kakaruweigh on one's mind, keep nagging at someone43×Noticing & the mind. Literally “hang on the mind”. Covered by ki ni naru (versatility list). Means the same as ki ni naru, already on the versatility list. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• mappira gomenno way, count me out42×Feelings & temper. Literally “flatly excused”. Covered by kanben-shite. 'No way, count me out'. kanben shite fills the same spot. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• suki kattedoing whatever one likes, without regard for others39×What people are like. Literally “liking and selfish way”. Covered by jibun-katte. 'Doing whatever you like'; the kept jibun katte says this.
• rikai funouincomprehensible, makes no sense at all38×Noticing & the mind. Literally “understanding impossible”. Covered by wake-ga-wakaranai. Same 'makes no sense' as the kept wake ga wakaranai.
• touzen no mukuiwhat one deserves36×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a natural retribution”. Covered by jigou-jitoku. What one deserves; jigou jitoku says the same.
• saki ga nagaithere's still a long way to go (mada saki wa nagai)35×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “what's ahead is long”. Covered by saki-wa-nagai. The same phrase as saki wa nagai, entered twice.
• oharaibako ni narube dismissed, get thrown out33×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “go into the discard box”. Covered by kubi-ni-naru. Get thrown out; kubi ni naru covers it. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• tsuke o haraupay the price for something (tsuke o harawaseru = make them pay)32×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “pay the tab”. Covered by tsuke-ga-mawatte-kuru. Pay the price; tsuke ga mawatte kuru covers it.
• me ga hanasenaican't take your eyes off30×Noticing & the mind. Literally “can't take the eyes away”. Covered by me-o-hanasu. The 'can't take your eyes off' form of the kept me o hanasu.
• hitome ni tsukube seen, attract attention (hitome o ki ni suru = worry what people think)30×Noticing & the mind. Literally “attach to people's eyes”. Covered by me-ni-tsuku. The 'be seen by people' variant of the kept me ni tsuku.
• shuushifu o utsuput an end to29×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “put a full stop”. Covered by keri-o-tsukeru. Put an end to it (29), a written-style phrase; keri o tsukeru is the spoken one.
• ni no mai ni narurepeat someone's mistake, go the same way28×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “become the second dance”. Covered by ni-no-mai. The same idiom as ni no mai (marked maybe) with naru; ask for that one.
• wake ga chigauthat's a different matter entirely28×Talking & listening. Literally “the case differs”. Covered by hanashi-wa-betsu. 'That's a different matter'; the kept hanashi wa betsu says it.
• saki ga mierucan see how it will end; (mienai) the future is uncertain26×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the way ahead is visible”. Covered by me-ni-mieteru. Can see how it will end; me ni mieteru says it.
• mikata ni tsukeruwin someone over (mikata ni tsuku = take someone's side)25×Getting on with people. Literally “attach to one's side”. Covered by kata-o-motsu. Win someone to your side; the kept kata o motsu covers taking sides.
• te mo ashi mo denaibe helpless, completely outmatched24×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “neither hand nor foot comes out”. Covered by ha-ga-tatanai. A near-synonym of ha ga tatanai: helpless against a problem or an opponent. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• shouki no sata ja naicrazy, insane (of a plan or act)24×Noticing & the mind. Literally “not the doing of a sane mind”. Covered by dou-ka-shiteru. 'That's insane' is covered by the kept dou ka shiteru.
• nagare ni makaserulet things take their course23×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “leave it to the current”. Covered by naru-you-ni-naru. Let things take their course; naru you ni naru carries the same shrug.
• chokkai o dasumeddle, tease, or hit on someone23×Getting on with people. Literally “put out a cat's pawing”. Covered by te-o-dasu. Mess with or hit on someone; the kept te o dasu covers it (chokkai is its casual twin).
• dai no otonaa grown adult (who should know better)23×What people are like. Literally “a big adult”. Covered by ii-toshi-shite. 'A grown adult who should know better'; the kept ii toshi shite says this.
• yakki ni naruget desperate, go all out (to prove or deny something)23×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “become leaping-excited”. Covered by muki-ni-naru. 'Get desperate and worked up'. muki ni naru is close enough.
• tagon muyoudon't tell anyone23×Talking & listening. Literally “telling others not needed”. Covered by koko-dake-no-hanashi. 'Don't tell anyone'; the kept koko dake no hanashi covers it.
• te o yakuhave a hard time handling22×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “burn one's hands”. Covered by te-ni-oenai. 'Have a hard time handling' someone. te ni oenai covers it.
• mudabonewasted effort (mudabone datta = all for nothing; mudabone o oru)22×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “wasted bones”. Covered by mizu-no-awa. 'Wasted effort'. mizu no awa says 'all for nothing'.
• kashikari nashiwe're even, we're square22×Getting on with people. Literally “no lending or borrowing”. Covered by kari-ga-aru. We're even; part of the kept kari ga aru family.
• zenshin zenreiwith everything one has21×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “whole body, whole spirit”. Covered by isshou-kenmei. 'With everything you've got'. isshou kenmei says it more plainly.
• paa ni narugo to waste, be wiped out21×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “become zero”. Covered by mizu-no-awa. All wasted; mizu no awa says the same.
• hitosuji nawa de wa ikanainot simple to deal with20×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “can't be handled with a single rope”. Covered by hitosujinawa-ja-ikanai. The same idiom as hitosujinawa ja ikanai in a more formal form, entered twice.
• me o hikucatch the eye, stand out20×Noticing & the mind. Literally “pull the eye”. Covered by me-ni-tsuku. Same 'catch the eye' as the kept me ni tsuku.
• me ni tomarucatch one's eye, get noticed (by a scout or boss)20×Noticing & the mind. Literally “stop in the eye”. Covered by me-ni-tsuku. Same 'catch one's eye' as the kept me ni tsuku.
• te ga tsukerarenaibe out of control, unmanageable19×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “can't lay a hand on it”. Covered by te-ni-oenai. 'Out of control, unmanageable'. te ni oenai says the same.
• ikitougou suruhit it off right away19×Getting on with people. Literally “spirits join together”. Covered by ki-ga-au. Hit it off right away; the kept ki ga au says the same.
• mimuki mo shinaipay no attention at all, ignore19×Noticing & the mind. Literally “not even turn to look”. Covered by aite-ni-suru. 'Ignore completely' is covered by the kept aite ni suru (aite ni shinai).
• sewa o yakufuss over, look after (often too much)19×Getting on with people. Literally “burn care”. Covered by mendou-o-miru. Fuss over, look after; the kept mendou o miru says it.
• shika atama ni naithink only about (X)18×Noticing & the mind. Literally “there's nothing but X in the head”. Covered by atama-kara-hanarenai. 'X is all I think about' overlaps the kept atama kara hanarenai.
• jigoku o mirugo through hell18×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “see hell”. Covered by hidoi-me-ni-au. Go through hell; hidoi me ni au covers it.
• atama o yogirucross one's mind18×Noticing & the mind. Literally “pass across the head”. Covered by atama-ni-ukabu. 'Cross one's mind' overlaps the kept atama ni ukabu.
• te ni amarube more than one can handle18×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “be too much for the hand”. Covered by te-ni-oenai. 'More than you can handle'. te ni oenai says the same.
• nariyuki makaseplaying it by ear, leaving things to chance18×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “leaving it to how things go”. Covered by naru-you-ni-naru. Playing it by ear; naru you ni naru carries the same.
• kubi ga tobulose one's job17×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one's head flies off”. Covered by kubi-ni-naru. Lose your job; kubi ni naru says the same.
• okotoba ni amaerutake you up on your kind offer16×Getting on with people. Literally “lean on your kind words”. Covered by okotoba-ni-amaete. A variant of the kept okotoba ni amaete.
• he demo nainothing at all; no big deal16×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “not even a fart”. Covered by asameshi-mae. A rough 'no sweat'. asameshi mae covers 'easy'.
• kuchi ga tasshaglib, a smooth talker (kuchi dake wa tassha = all talk)16×What people are like. Literally “the mouth is skilled”. Covered by kuchi-dake. 'Glib', usually as kuchi dake wa tassha; the kept kuchi dake covers it.
• shiran kao o surupretend not to notice, ignore15×Getting on with people. Literally “make a don't-know face”. Covered by mite-minu-furi. Pretend not to notice; the kept mite minu furi o suru is close.
• uma ga auget along well, click15×Getting on with people. Literally “the horses match”. Covered by ki-ga-au. Get along; the kept ki ga au says the same. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kan ippatsujust barely, in the nick of time15×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a gap of one hair”. Covered by kiki-ippatsu. In the nick of time; kiki ippatsu covers close calls.
• ki ga yurumulet one's guard down, get careless15×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the spirit slackens”. Covered by ki-o-nuku. 'Let your guard down' is what the kept ki o nuku says.
• kokoro ni hibikureally move you, resonate14×Feelings & temper. Literally “echoes in the heart”. Covered by gutto-kuru. Being moved. gutto kuru says this in everyday speech. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• inga ouhouyou reap what you sow14×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “cause and effect respond”. Covered by jigou-jitoku. Karma, you reap what you sow; jigou jitoku covers it.
• ki ga yasumarube able to relax (ki ga yasumaranai = never get a moment's peace)14×Feelings & temper. Literally “the spirit rests”. Covered by ki-ga-raku. Getting a moment's peace. ki ga raku covers it.
• kake ni derutake a gamble13×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “go out to a bet”. Covered by ichi-ka-bachi-ka. Take a gamble; ichi ka bachi ka covers it.
• itte kureru ja naiyou've got some nerve saying that13×Talking & listening. Literally “you're kind enough to say (that), aren't you”. Covered by yoku-iu-yo. 'You've got some nerve saying that'; the kept yoku iu yo says it.
• kokoro o utsumove deeply, touch13×Feelings & temper. Literally “strike the heart”. Covered by gutto-kuru. Being moved. gutto kuru covers it.
• ne o agerugive up, cry uncle12×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “raise a cry”. Covered by yowane-o-haku. 'Give up, cry uncle'. yowane o haku is close enough.
• kokoro ni mo nai(words) you don't really mean12×Talking & listening. Literally “not even in your heart”. Covered by kokoro-ni-mo-nai. Duplicate of kokoro ni mo nai koto o iu (rated maybe above).
• shirokuro tsukerusettle who's right once and for all12×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “assign white and black”. Covered by keri-o-tsukeru. Settle who's right; keri o tsukeru covers settling it.
• kao ga kikuhave pull, have connections (somewhere)12×Getting on with people. Literally “your face works”. Covered by kao-ga-hiroi. Having pull somewhere is close to the kept kao ga hiroi.
• touge o kosuget past the worst (of an illness, crisis)12×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “cross the mountain pass”. Covered by yama-o-kosu. Get past the worst; yama o kosu says the same.
• taigai ni shiroknock it off, that's going too far (joudan mo taigai ni shiro = quit joking around)12×Feelings & temper. Literally “keep it to a reasonable amount”. Covered by ii-kagen-ni-shite. 'Knock it off'. ii kagen ni shite is the common version.
• akago no te o hineruabsurdly easy (especially beating someone)11×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “twist a baby's arm”. Covered by asameshi-mae. 'Easy as taking candy from a baby'. asameshi mae covers 'easy'.
• shippo o furufawn on, suck up to11×Getting on with people. Literally “wag one's tail”. Covered by goma-o-suru. Fawn on, suck up to; the kept goma o suru says the same.
• hanashi ga auhave a lot to talk about, hit it off10×Getting on with people. Literally “the talk fits”. Covered by ki-ga-au. Have lots to talk about; close to the kept ki ga au, and cut from the collocation list. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ki ga togamerufeel guilty10×Feelings & temper. Literally “the spirit reproaches”. Covered by ki-ga-hikeru. Feeling guilty about doing something. ki ga hikeru covers it.
• zu ni noruget cocky, push one's luck10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “ride on the chart”. Covered by choushi-ni-noru. Get cocky; choushi ni noru says the same. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• suji o toosudo things properly, follow the right order10×Getting on with people. Literally “run the thread through”. Covered by suji-ga-tooru. The doer's side of the kept suji ga tooru.
• ashimoto ni mo oyobanaibe no match for someone at all9×What people are like. Literally “doesn't even reach their feet”. Covered by ha-ga-tatanai. 'No match at all'; the kept ha ga tatanai says this.
• chie o kasuhelp someone think of a way9×Getting on with people. Literally “lend your wisdom”. Covered by te-o-kasu. Help someone think of a way; same pattern and sense as the kept te o kasu.
• shaku ni sawaruget on your nerves, be galling9×Feelings & temper. Literally “touch the spasm”. Covered by ki-ni-sawaru. 'Gets on my nerves'. ki ni sawaru says the same.
• me o kubarukeep an eye on everything9×Noticing & the mind. Literally “distribute the eyes”. Covered by ki-o-kubaru. The eye version of the kept ki o kubaru.
• mune o utsube moving, touch the heart9×Feelings & temper. Literally “strike the chest”. Covered by gutto-kuru. Being moved. gutto kuru says it in everyday speech.
• kusaru hodo aruhave tons of it, more than enough9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “there is so much it rots”. Covered by yama-hodo-aru. 'Have tons of it'. yama hodo aru says the same.
• te ga fusagarube busy with something else right now9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one's hands get occupied”. Covered by te-ga-hanasenai. 'Busy with something else right now'. te ga hanasenai says it.
• inochi karagaranarrowly escaping with one's life9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “barely with one's life”. Covered by kiki-ippatsu. Escape with your life; kiki ippatsu covers it.
• oshiri ni hi ga tsukube pushed by a looming deadline8×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one's backside catches fire”. Covered by shiri-ni-hi-ga-tsuku. A politer form of the kept shiri ni hi ga tsuku.
• mikake ni yorazudespite appearances (hito wa mikake ni yoranai = you can't judge by looks)8×What people are like. Literally “not going by appearances”. Covered by mikake-ni-yoranai. A variant of the kept mikake ni yoranai.
• oujougiwa ga waruiwon't admit defeat, keeps arguing a lost point8×What people are like. Literally “bad at the moment of dying”. Covered by akirame-ga-warui. 'Won't admit defeat'; the kept akirame ga warui says nearly the same.
• jibun de maita taneyou made this mess yourself8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a seed you sowed yourself”. Covered by jigou-jitoku. You made this mess yourself; jigou jitoku says the same.
• naki o miruend up in tears, pay for it later8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “see the crying”. Covered by itai-me-ni-au. End up paying for it later; itai me ni au covers it.
• ki ga userulose the desire, be put off (yaru ki ga useta)8×Feelings & temper. Literally “the will vanishes”. Covered by ki-ga-noranai. Losing the urge ('yaru ki ga useta'). ki ga noranai covers it.
• gaten ga ikumake sense, be convinced (often negative)8×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the check mark goes on”. Covered by fu-ni-ochinai. '(Doesn't) make sense to me' is covered by the kept fu ni ochinai.
• jibun hon'iself-centred, only thinking of oneself8×What people are like. Literally “self as the standard”. Covered by jibun-katte. 'Self-centred'; the kept jibun katte says this.
• ojan ni narufall through, come to nothing8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “become the final clang (of the fire bell)”. Covered by mizu-no-awa. Fall through; mizu no awa covers it.
• shinzou ga tobiderube startled out of one's wits8×Feelings & temper. Literally “one's heart jumps out”. Covered by shinzou-ni-warui. Jumping out of your skin. shinzou ni warui covers it.
• mi kara deta sabiyour own fault, you brought it on yourself7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “rust that came out of the blade itself”. Covered by jigou-jitoku. Your own fault; jigou jitoku says the same.
• atatte kudakerojust go for it, nothing to lose7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “hit it and shatter”. Covered by dame-moto. Just go for it; dame moto carries the same nothing-to-lose spirit.
• ippo mo hikanainot give an inch7×What people are like. Literally “not draw back even one step”. Covered by iji-o-haru. 'Not give an inch'; the kept iji o haru covers this stubbornness.
• jiin to kurube touched, choked up7×Feelings & temper. Literally “comes with a tingle”. Covered by gutto-kuru. Being touched. gutto kuru is the same casual phrase.
• noru ka soru kaall or nothing7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “stretch or bend”. Covered by ichi-ka-bachi-ka. All or nothing; ichi ka bachi ka says the same.
• shakushi jougirigid, inflexibly by the rules7×What people are like. Literally “using a ladle as a ruler”. Covered by atama-ga-katai. 'Rigid, by the rules'; the kept atama ga katai covers it.
• naseba naruyou can do it if you try7×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “if you do it, it gets done”. Covered by yareba-dekiru. 'You can do it if you try'. The kept yareba dekiru says the same.
• issen o hikukeep one's distance, set a boundary7×Getting on with people. Literally “draw a line”. Covered by kyori-o-oku. Keep your distance; the kept kyori o oku says it.
• dou ni demo narewhatever happens, happens7×Feelings & temper. Literally “become whatever (you like)”. Covered by naru-you-ni-naru. 'Whatever happens, happens'. naru you ni naru covers it.
• itai tokoro o tsukuhit a nerve, find a weak point6×Talking & listening. Literally “poke the sore spot”. Covered by mimi-ga-itai. 'That hurts because it's true'; the kept mimi ga itai is the usual reply.
• ippatsu shoubua single chance, all riding on one try6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a one-shot contest”. Covered by ichi-ka-bachi-ka. All riding on one try; ichi ka bachi ka covers it.
• mizu ga aufeel at home somewhere (mizu ga awanai = it doesn't suit you)6×Getting on with people. Literally “the water suits you”. Covered by shou-ni-au. A place suits you; the kept shou ni au says the same.
• atama no neji ga hazureterucrazy, not all there6×Noticing & the mind. Literally “a screw in the head has come off”. Covered by atama-ga-okashii. Same 'crazy' as the kept atama ga okashii.
• shippegaeshi o kuuget paid back, have it come back at you6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “eat a return wrist-slap”. Covered by tsuke-ga-mawatte-kuru. Get paid back; tsuke ga mawatte kuru covers it.
• iki ga auclick, work in perfect sync5×Getting on with people. Literally “breaths match”. Covered by ki-ga-au. Work in sync; close to the kept ki ga au (and ishin denshin).
• atama ni chi ga noborusee red, lose your cool5×Feelings & temper. Literally “blood rises to the head”. Covered by atama-ni-kuru. Seeing red. atama ni kuru is the everyday way to say it.
• honeori zonwasted effort; all that work for nothing5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a loss for breaking one's bones”. Covered by mizu-no-awa. 'All that work for nothing'. mizu no awa says it.
• uso happyakunothing but lies5×Talking & listening. Literally “eight hundred lies”. Covered by makka-na-uso. 'A pack of lies'; the kept makka na uso says it.
• moto no saya ni osamaruget back together (a couple)5×Getting on with people. Literally “go back into the original sheath”. Covered by yori-o-modosu. A couple gets back together; the kept yori o modosu says it.
• ii tokoro o tsukumake a good point5×Talking & listening. Literally “poke a good spot”. Covered by ichiri-aru. 'Good point'; the kept ichiri aru covers it.
• maku o hikubring an affair to a close5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “draw the curtain”. Covered by keri-o-tsukeru. Bring it to a close; keri o tsukeru is the spoken way.
• kenka o kauaccept a challenge, take someone on5×Getting on with people. Literally “buy a fight”. Covered by kenka-o-uru. Take up a challenge; the other side of the kept kenka o uru (sono kenka, katta).
• mi no ke ga yodatsube horrified, make one's flesh crawl5×Feelings & temper. Literally “body hair stands up”. Covered by torihada-ga-tatsu. Hair standing on end. torihada ga tatsu is the everyday version.
• ze ga hi demoat any cost, by all means5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “whether right or wrong”. Covered by nani-ga-nan-demo. 'At any cost'. nani ga nan demo says it.
• denkou sekkalightning-fast5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “lightning flash, spark from a flint”. Covered by atto-iu-ma. 'Lightning-fast'. atto iu ma covers 'in a flash'.
• se ni hara wa kaerarenaino choice but to accept it4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “you can't trade your belly for your back”. Covered by hoka-ni-te-ga-nai. No choice but to accept it; hoka ni te ga nai covers having no other way.
• jumyou ga chijimuit scared the life out of me4×Feelings & temper. Literally “your lifespan shrinks”. Covered by shinzou-ni-warui. 'Took years off my life'. shinzou ni warui is the usual line.
• mono wa tameshiit's worth a try4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “things are for trying”. Covered by dame-moto. It's worth a try; dame moto says nearly the same.
• toki sude ni ososhiit's too late now4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the time is already late”. Covered by ato-no-matsuri. It's too late now; ato no matsuri says it in everyday words.
• sori ga awanaican't get along with someone4×Getting on with people. Literally “the curve (of blade and scabbard) doesn't match”. Covered by ki-ga-au. Can't get along; the negative of the kept ki ga au says it.
• yokoyari o irerubutt in, interfere4×Talking & listening. Literally “thrust a spear from the side”. Covered by kuchi-o-hasamu. Butting in; the kept kuchi o hasamu covers it.
• kimo o hiyasuget a real scare4×Feelings & temper. Literally “chill the liver”. Covered by shinzou-ni-warui. Getting a real scare. shinzou ni warui covers it.
• ame ga furou ga yari ga furou gano matter what happens4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “whether it rains water or spears”. Covered by nani-ga-nan-demo. 'Come what may'. nani ga nan demo says it.
• mune ga atsuku narube deeply moved4×Feelings & temper. Literally “the chest gets hot”. Covered by gutto-kuru. Deeply moved. gutto kuru covers it.
• tasukebune o dasustep in to help someone in a fix4×Getting on with people. Literally “send out a rescue boat”. Covered by te-o-kasu. Step in to help; the kept te o kasu covers it.
• zousa mo naieasy, no trouble at all4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “not even any construction”. Covered by asameshi-mae. 'No trouble at all'. asameshi mae covers it.
• iwazumoganait goes without saying4×Talking & listening. Literally “better unsaid / no need to say”. Covered by iu-made-mo-nai. Old-fashioned form of the kept iu made mo nai.
• okotoba o kaesu you desu gawith respect, I have to disagree4×Talking & listening. Literally “it's like returning your words, but”. Covered by okotoba-desu-ga. Longer form of okotoba desu ga (rated maybe above).
• mune no tsukae ga torerufeel relieved, finally at ease4×Feelings & temper. Literally “the blockage in the chest comes out”. Covered by kata-no-ni-ga-oriru. A weight off your mind. kata no ni ga oriru says the same.
• koukai saki ni tatazuregret always comes too late3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “regret doesn't come first”. Covered by ato-no-matsuri. Regret always comes too late; ato no matsuri makes the same point.
• ki ga chiisaitimid, a worrier, faint-hearted3×What people are like. Literally “spirit is small”. Covered by ki-ga-yowai. 'Timid, a worrier'; the kept ki ga yowai says this.
• atarazu tomo tookarazunot exactly right, but close3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “not a hit, but not far”. Covered by ii-sen-itteru. 'Not exactly right but close' is what the kept ii sen itteru says, and more casually.
• sesuji ga koorusend a chill down your spine3×Feelings & temper. Literally “the spine freezes”. Covered by torihada-ga-tatsu. A chill down your spine. torihada ga tatsu is the everyday version.
• hi o miru yori akirakablindingly obvious3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “clearer than looking at fire”. Covered by me-ni-mieteru. 'Blindingly obvious' is covered by the kept me ni mieteru.
• un o ten ni makaseruleave it to fate3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “leave luck to heaven”. Covered by naru-you-ni-naru. Leave it to fate; naru you ni naru carries the same.
• osekkai o yakumeddle, butt in with unwanted help3×Getting on with people. Literally “bake meddling”. Covered by yokei-na-osewa. Meddle; the kept yokei na osewa covers it (osekkai alone is the common word). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• iki tsuku hima mo naiincredibly busy3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “no time to draw breath”. Covered by me-ga-mawaru. 'Crazy busy'. me ga mawaru covers it.
• nori ni norube on a roll, at one's best3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “ride on the rhythm”. Covered by choushi-ni-noru. Be on a roll; choushi ni noru covers it.
• ookina koe de wa ienaibetween you and me (gossip opener)2×Talking & listening. Literally “can't say it in a loud voice”. Covered by koko-dake-no-hanashi. A lead-in to a secret; the kept koko dake no hanashi does the same.
• tengu ni naruget conceited after some success2×What people are like. Literally “turn into a long-nosed goblin”. Covered by choushi-ni-noru. 'Get conceited after a success' (2 hits); the kept choushi ni noru covers it.
• kubi no kawa ichimai tsunagaruto survive by a hair; a slim chance is still left2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “held on by one layer of neck skin”. Covered by kiki-ippatsu. Survived by a hair; kiki ippatsu covers close calls.
• dono kuchi ga iuyou're one to talk2×Talking & listening. Literally “which mouth is saying it”. Covered by yoku-iu-yo. 'Look who's talking'; the kept yoku iu yo covers it.
• kubi no kawa ichimaihanging by a thread (kubi no kawa ichimai tsunagatta = just survived)2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one layer of neck skin”. Covered by kiki-ippatsu. Hanging by a thread; kiki ippatsu covers close calls.
• kata o tatakarerube eased out, asked to resign2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “have one's shoulder tapped”. Covered by kubi-ni-naru. Be eased out of a job; kubi ni naru covers it.
• karada ga ikutsu atte mo tarinaiI'm stretched far too thin2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “however many bodies I had, it wouldn't be enough”. Covered by neko-no-te-mo-karitai. 'Stretched far too thin'. neko no te mo karitai covers it.
• rui wa tomo o yobusimilar people end up together1×Getting on with people. Literally “like calls friends”. Covered by nita-mono-doushi. Birds of a feather; the kept nita mono doushi says the same. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hachou ga aube on the same wavelength1×Getting on with people. Literally “wavelengths match”. Covered by ki-ga-au. On the same wavelength; the kept ki ga au says the same.
• haite suteru hodo aruso common they're nothing special1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “so many you could sweep them up and throw them out”. Covered by yama-hodo-aru. Another 'there's tons of it'. yama hodo aru covers it.
• ocha no ko saisaidead easy1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “tea-time snacks, easy-easy”. Covered by asameshi-mae. A dated way to say 'dead easy'. asameshi mae is the kept one.
• mune o nadeorosuto feel relieved1×Feelings & temper. Literally “stroke down one's chest”. Covered by kata-no-ni-ga-oriru. Sighing with relief. kata no ni ga oriru is the spoken version.
• aun no kokyuuperfect unspoken teamwork1×Getting on with people. Literally “the a-un breathing (of the temple guardians)”. Covered by ishin-denshin. Perfect unspoken teamwork; the kept ishin denshin is close.
• ohire ga tsuku(a story) grows in the telling1×Talking & listening. Literally “tail and fins get attached”. Covered by hanashi-o-moru. A story growing in the telling; the kept hanashi o moru covers it.
• tade kuu mushi mo sukizukieveryone has their own taste1×What people are like. Literally “even bugs that eat bitter smartweed have their tastes”. Covered by juunin-toiro. 'No accounting for taste'; the kept juunin toiro says this.
• taga ga hazurerulose all restraint1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the barrel hoop comes off”. Covered by hame-o-hazusu. Lose all restraint; hame o hazusu covers it.
• nitamono fuufua husband and wife cut from the same cloth1×Getting on with people. Literally “a couple who are alike”. Covered by nita-mono-doushi. A couple who are alike; the kept nita mono doushi says it.
• toshigai mo nakuat my age (doing something childish)1×What people are like. Literally “without the worth of one's years”. Covered by ii-toshi-shite. 'At my age (acting childish)'; the kept ii toshi shite covers it.
• kata o otosube disappointed, lose heart—Feelings & temper. Literally “drop one's shoulders”. Covered by ki-o-otosu. Being let down. ki o otosu says the same.
• kao kara hi ga derube burning with embarrassment—Feelings & temper. Literally “fire comes out of your face”. Covered by ana-ga-attara-hairitai. Burning embarrassment. ana ga attara hairitai covers it. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fukudon't worry, tomorrow is a new day—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “tomorrow, tomorrow's wind will blow”. Covered by sono-toki-wa-sono-toki. Tomorrow is another day; sono toki wa sono toki carries the same don't-worry.
• taka o kukuruto underestimate; assume it'll be fine—Noticing & the mind. Literally “tie up the amount”. Covered by amaku-miru. Same 'underestimate, assume it'll be fine' as the kept amaku miru.
• fukusui bon ni kaerazuwhat's done can't be undone—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “spilt water does not return to the tray”. Covered by torikaeshi-ga-tsukanai. What's done can't be undone; torikaeshi ga tsukanai says it.
• obi ni mijikashi tasuki ni nagashineither one thing nor the other; fits no purpose—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “too short for a sash, too long for a sleeve-tie”. Covered by chuuto-hanpa. 'Neither one thing nor the other'. chuuto hanpa is the everyday way to say it.
• koubou mo fude no ayamarieven masters make mistakes—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “even Kobo's brush slips”. Covered by saru-mo-ki-kara-ochiru. Even experts slip; saru mo ki kara ochiru says the same.
• nomi no shinzoufaint-hearted, easily nervous—What people are like. Literally “a flea's heart”. Covered by ki-ga-yowai. 'Faint-hearted' (0 hits); the kept ki ga yowai covers it.
• he no kappaa piece of cake, nothing at all—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a kappa's fart”. Covered by asameshi-mae. A slangy 'piece of cake'. asameshi mae covers it.
• teko demo ugokanaiutterly stubborn, won't budge—What people are like. Literally “won't move even with a lever”. Covered by iji-o-haru. 'Won't budge' (0 hits); the kept iji o haru covers this stubbornness.
• kobi o urufawn on someone—Getting on with people. Literally “sell flattery”. Covered by goma-o-suru. Fawn on someone; the kept goma o suru says the same.
• ishi ni kajiritsuite mono matter what it takes—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “even if I have to gnaw on stone”. Covered by nani-ga-nan-demo. 'No matter what it takes'. nani ga nan demo says it.
• ga ga tsuyoiself-assertive, insists on own way—What people are like. Literally “the self is strong”. Covered by ki-ga-tsuyoi. 'Self-assertive' (0 hits); the kept ki ga tsuyoi covers it.
• kakaa denkathe wife is boss at home—Getting on with people. Literally “the wife's rule over the realm”. Covered by shiri-ni-shikareru. The wife is boss; the kept shiri ni shikareru says it.
• hana mo hikkakenaicompletely ignore, treat as beneath notice—Getting on with people. Literally “won't even flick snot at it”. Covered by aite-ni-suru. Ignore completely; aite ni shinai (the kept aite ni suru) says it.
• ochitsuku tokoro ni ochitsukuthings end up where they naturally belong—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “settle where it settles”. Covered by naru-you-ni-naru. Things end where they belong; naru you ni naru says it.
• hada ga awanainot get along, not be one's type (a person, a workplace)—Getting on with people. Literally “skins don't match”. Covered by ki-ga-au. Not get along with a person or place; the negative of the kept ki ga au.

Less common (1215)

Real idioms, but said less often than the ones kept.

• sugata o kesudisappear, vanish, go missing367×Getting on with people. Literally “erase one's figure”. Vanish; 367 hits but mostly plot narration (people say inaku naru). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• se o mukeruturn away from, refuse to face155×Getting on with people. Literally “turn one's back”. Mostly the literal 'turn your back'; the figurative 'turn away from reality' is narration more than talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• te o kumuteam up, join forces130×Getting on with people. Literally “join hands”. Team up, mostly in crime-plot talk (judged 2); te o kasu and chikara ni naru cover everyday help. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• te o kirucut ties with, break off with95×Getting on with people. Literally “cut hands”. Cut ties, mostly in crime and business plots (judged 2); en o kiru is the everyday one.
• mi o hikustep aside, bow out (often for someone else's sake)92×Getting on with people. Literally “pull your body back”. Bow out, usually in a love triangle; a drama line more than everyday talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• toriko ni naruget hooked on, be captivated by (food, music, a person, a game)92×Noticing & the mind. Literally “become a captive”. Most of its hits are horyo (prisoner of war); the 'get hooked' sense has only about 10. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• te o yogosudo the dirty work oneself79×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “dirty one's hands”. Do the dirty work yourself; 65 hits, but nearly all crime-drama lines, rare in everyday talk.
• ashi o fumiireruset foot in; get into (a world or business)63×Getting on with people. Literally “step a foot in”. Set foot in; the literal sense makes up most of the 63. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• moushibun naiperfect, couldn't ask for more61×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “nothing to object to”. Perfect, couldn't ask for more (42); a bit formal. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• te ni watarufall into someone's hands, pass to someone else (a house, a secret, a weapon)52×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “cross into (someone's) hands”. Fall into someone's hands (52); mostly thriller lines. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• tohou mo naienormous, outrageous, absurd51×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “without even a direction”. A fair 46 hits, but it's an adjective for 'enormous, absurd', and tondemonai does the same job in talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• michizure ni surudrag someone down with you50×Getting on with people. Literally “make someone a road companion”. Take someone down with you (50 hits), a villain's line in films.
• hikigane ni narube what sets something off50×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “become the trigger”. Be what sets something off (50); mostly news and narration. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• me ni wa me opay someone back in kind48×Getting on with people. Literally “for an eye, an eye”. Its 48 hits are mostly translated 'eye for an eye' lines; rarer in Japanese talk.
• ude o ageruget better at something47×What people are like. Literally “raise one's arm”. Most of its 47 hits mean 'raise your arms'; the 'you've got better' sense (ude o ageta) shows up only twice. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• zendai mimonunheard-of, unprecedented47×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “never heard of in earlier ages”. Unheard-of (47); mostly news and formal talk.
• atokata mo nakuwithout a trace, completely (gone or destroyed)47×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “without even a trace or a shape”. Without a trace (47); close to plain words. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• okure o torufall behind, be outdone (okure o torimodosu = catch up)45×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “take a delay”. Fall behind (45); close to plain words.
• shiri o tatakupush someone to get moving41×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “slap someone's backside”. The figurative 'push someone to get moving' is real, but most of the 40 hits are literal spanking.
• ura o kakuoutwit someone, do the opposite of what they expect41×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “scratch the back side”. Outwit someone (38); just below the line. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kokoro o ubawarerube captivated, fall for41×Noticing & the mind. Literally “have your heart stolen”. Romantic 'be captivated'; more narration than talk. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kataki o utsuavenge, get revenge for41×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “strike the enemy”. Avenge someone (41); revenge-drama lines.
• kuimono ni suruexploit, prey on40×Getting on with people. Literally “make (someone) into food”. Prey on (40 hits), mostly crime plots. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kami nomi zo shiruno one can know37×Noticing & the mind. Literally “only God knows”. Its 37 hits are mostly dubbing of 'God only knows'; people say dare ni mo wakaranai.
• oku no teone's secret weapon, a last resort36×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the move kept at the back”. A secret weapon, a last resort (36); just below the line. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• mono ni naranaiwon't amount to anything (mono ni naru = come good)36×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “doesn't become a thing”. 'Won't amount to anything'. 35 hits, but the count mixes in other uses of mono ni naru. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• isshin doutaiinseparable; acting as one34×Getting on with people. Literally “one heart, the same body”. Inseparable (34 hits, mostly translated 'we are one' lines); rarer in talk.
• kabe o tsukurukeep people at a distance, put up walls34×Getting on with people. Literally “build a wall”. Keep people at a distance; literal wall-building inflates the 34, and kyori o oku is kept.
• hedo ga deru(it) makes me sick with disgust33×Feelings & temper. Literally “vomit comes up”. Rough, and many of its hits mean actually throwing up. mukatsuku is the everyday word.
• iki no ne o tomeruto finish someone off; crush completely33×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “stop the root of the breath”. Finish someone off (33); mostly action-film fights.
• yuiitsu munione and only, irreplaceable32×What people are like. Literally “only one, no second”. 'One and only' (32 hits); leans written, heard mostly in speeches and ads.
• kagi o nigirube the key (to a case, a match, a deal)32×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “grip the key”. Hold the key to a case or match (29); news and detective talk.
• te o mawasupull strings, arrange things behind the scenes32×Getting on with people. Literally “send the hands around”. Pull strings behind the scenes (32 hits), mostly plot talk.
• tsukaimono ni naranaiuseless, no good31×What people are like. Literally “doesn't become a usable thing”. 'Useless' (about 29 hits), but mostly about broken tools rather than people.
• maruku osamarube smoothed over, settle amicably30×Getting on with people. Literally “settle round”. Settle amicably (30 hits); real but less frequent than the kept relationship idioms.
• ito o hikupull the strings from behind the scenes30×Getting on with people. Literally “pull the string”. Pull strings, mostly conspiracy plots; literal string-pulling inflates the 30.
• kamo ni surutreat someone as an easy mark29×Getting on with people. Literally “make a duck of someone”. Treat someone as an easy mark (8 hits, judged 2); kamo alone is the common word.
• oazuke ni narube put on hold, have to wait for something29×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “become 'wait!' (the command that makes a dog wait for its food)”. Be put on hold (47 for oazuke, many literal); just below the line.
• rakuin o osarerube branded (a failure, a traitor)28×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “have a brand pressed on”. Be branded a failure or traitor (28).
• rakuin o osubrand someone (as a failure, a traitor); mostly passive rakuin o osareru28×Getting on with people. Literally “press the brand”. Brand someone (28 hits, judged 2).
• goshou da karafor pity's sake, I'm begging you28×Getting on with people. Literally “for the sake of my next life”. A dated plea (28 hits, mostly old-style dubbing); isshou no onegai is the modern one.
• te ga denaican't afford it; can't touch it27×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one's hand won't come out”. Too pricey to touch (takakute te ga denai); 27, useful but just below the line. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• shippo o tsukamucatch someone out, get proof against them27×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “grab the tail”. Catch someone out with proof (14); mostly detective-drama talk.
• me mo kurenainot even glance at, ignore completely27×Getting on with people. Literally “won't even give an eye”. Not even glance at (judged 2); aite ni shinai covers ignoring someone.
• fukuro no nezumitrapped with no way out27×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a rat in a bag”. Trapped with no way out (27); mostly cop-show lines.
• mune ni kizamuengrave on your heart, never forget27×Noticing & the mind. Literally “carve into the chest”. 'Engrave on your heart'; 6 hits.
• mono ni suruseize (a chance), master (a skill), win (someone) over27×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “make it a thing (of one's own)”. Seize a chance or master a skill (27).
• kidou ni norustart running smoothly26×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “get onto the track or orbit”. Get on track (a business, a plan); more news and work talk (26).
• nami ni norube on a roll, ride a trend26×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “ride the wave”. Ride a trend or a winning streak (21); choushi ni noru covers being on a roll.
• tsumi o kaburutake the blame for someone else26×Getting on with people. Literally “put the crime on your own head”. Take the blame for someone, mostly in crime plots (judged 2).
• herazuguchi o tatakutalk back, always have a cheeky answer25×Talking & listening. Literally “bang out a mouth that never wears down”. Mostly a parent or boss snapping at a cheeky reply; 20 hits.
• kowai mono shirazufearless, afraid of nothing (often recklessly)25×What people are like. Literally “not knowing scary things”. 'Fearless, often recklessly' (about 11 hits); fine to know, not often heard.
• suki houdaias one pleases, without any restraint25×What people are like. Literally “as much as one likes, unrestrained”. 'As one pleases' (25 hits); yaritai houdai is the more common of the pair.
• onshin futsuuout of contact, not heard from25×Getting on with people. Literally “news and letters not getting through”. Out of contact (25 hits); more formal than otosata ga nai.
• hibi ga hairua relationship or friendship starts to crack24×Getting on with people. Literally “a crack gets in”. A friendship cracks; the literal crack dominates (cut from the collocation list).
• nasake o kakerushow mercy, take pity on24×Getting on with people. Literally “hang compassion on”. Show mercy (24 hits, judged 2).
• kotchi no mono dathen we've got it made, it's ours24×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “it is our thing”. It's in the bag (24).
• mi o mottefirsthand, through one's own experience24×Noticing & the mind. Literally “with one's own body”. 'Firsthand, the hard way'; 16 hits.
• mukashi no yoshimifor old times' sake (asking a favour of an old friend)24×Getting on with people. Literally “old ties”. For old times' sake (24 hits); real but less frequent.
• ate mo nakuaimlessly, with no destination or plan24×Noticing & the mind. Literally “without even an aim”. 'Aimlessly'; 13 hits.
• kuchi kara demakase o iumake things up on the spot23×Talking & listening. Literally “say whatever leaves the mouth”. The full phrase is rare; people just say demakase iu na (stop making things up).
• yowami o nigiruhave something on someone23×Getting on with people. Literally “grasp a weakness”. Have dirt on someone, mostly blackmail plots (23 hits).
• mune ni te o atete kangaeruthink honestly about what you did23×Noticing & the mind. Literally “think with your hand on your chest”. A scolding line (think about what you did), but only 9 hits.
• kara o yaburubreak out of one's shell, outgrow one's limits23×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “break the shell”. 'Break out of your shell'. 23 hits, but mostly coaching talk. A fair candidate that just misses.
• soko o tsukurun out (of money, food, savings, patience)23×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “hit the bottom”. Run out of money or food (22).
• suki ga arube off guard, leave an opening (suki ga nai = never lets their guard down)23×Noticing & the mind. Literally “there is a gap”. 'Be off guard'; 14 hits.
• chi o hikube descended from, take after (chichi no chi o hiite iru)23×What people are like. Literally “draw the blood”. 'Be descended from' (23 hits); close to its literal meaning.
• me ni mono o miseruteach someone a lesson, show them (me ni mono misete yaru = I'll show you)23×Getting on with people. Literally “show them something in their eyes”. I'll show you (23 hits), a rough threat line.
• seisei doudoufairly, playing by the rules22×What people are like. Literally “right and proper, open and dignified”. 'Fair and square' (22 hits); a bit formal, mostly about contests and challenges.
• ippai kuwasarerube tricked, be had22×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “be made to eat a bowl”. Got tricked (ippai kuwasareta!); lively but less common (16).
• ikari o kauto make someone angry at you22×Getting on with people. Literally “buy anger”. Make someone angry at you (22 hits); mostly narration.
• hi no uchidokoro ga naiflawless, perfect22×What people are like. Literally “nowhere to strike a fault”. 'Flawless' (22 hits), but formal-sounding.
• ima ni miteroyou'll see, I'll show you22×Getting on with people. Literally “just watch, soon”. You'll see (22 hits), an anime and drama threat.
• choukeshi ni surucancel out; call it even22×Getting on with people. Literally “erase it from the account book”. Call it even (22 hits); chara ni suru is the casual everyday version.
• jakuniku kyoushokuthe strong prey on the weak21×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the weak are meat, the strong eat”. The strong eat the weak; a four-character phrase used more in commentary than chat (21).
• etai no shirenaimysterious, shady, of unknown nature21×What people are like. Literally “whose true form is unknown”. 'Mysterious, shady' (21 hits); mostly in mysteries and horror.
• mudaguchi o tatakuchatter, talk idly (mudaguchi tataku na = cut the chatter)21×Talking & listening. Literally “beat a useless mouth”. Mostly the order 'cut the chatter' (mudaguchi tataku na); 18 hits.
• kaji o torusteer, take charge21×Getting on with people. Literally “take the rudder”. Take the helm (21 hits).
• isei ga iilively, spirited, full of energy; (teasing) talking big21×What people are like. Literally “the vigour is good”. 'Lively, talking big' (about 15 hits).
• kikimimi o taterustrain to overhear, eavesdrop20×Talking & listening. Literally “stand up listening ears”. Eavesdropping, mostly in narration; 20 hits.
• te o ageruhit someone20×Getting on with people. Literally “raise a hand”. The 'hit someone' sense is swamped by the literal 'raise your hand'.
• hiyaase o kakuget a real scare, sweat it20×Feelings & temper. Literally “break a cold sweat”. About 20 hits, and a cold sweat is close to literal.
• aiso o tsukasugive up on someone20×Getting on with people. Literally “use up your goodwill”. Give up on someone (20 hits); real but less frequent.
• kokoro o tsukamuwin people over20×Getting on with people. Literally “grab the heart”. Win people over (20 hits); more commentary than talk.
• baka o miruend up the loser, get burned for nothing20×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “see foolishness”. End up the loser for nothing (10); mostly in shoujikimono ga baka o miru.
• ichigan to narupull together as one20×Getting on with people. Literally “become one ball”. Pull together as one (21 hits); mostly team pep talks.
• yubi ippon furesasenaiwon't let anyone lay a finger on them20×Getting on with people. Literally “won't let a single finger touch”. Won't let anyone lay a finger on them (20 hits), a hero's line in films.
• kiba o mukuturn openly hostile20×Getting on with people. Literally “bare one's fangs”. Turn openly hostile (20 hits), mostly narration.
• futa o akete miru toas it turned out19×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “when you take the lid off”. As it turned out (7); more narration than conversation.
• ganchuu ni nainot even on your radar, not interested19×Getting on with people. Literally “not inside the eye”. Not even on your radar (21 hits); real but less frequent.
• chi ni ochiru(reputation, trust) be ruined19×Getting on with people. Literally “fall to the ground”. Trust or reputation ruined (19 hits); news register.
• michi o fumihazusugo astray19×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “step off the road”. Go astray (19).
• hone ga aruhave backbone, be gutsy (hone no aru yatsu)19×What people are like. Literally “have bones”. 'Have backbone' (19 hits, partly literal).
• un ga mukuluck turns in one's favour (also tsuki ga mawatte kita)19×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “luck faces (one)”. Luck turns in your favour (19).
• me ga denainever get a break, fail to make it19×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the sprout doesn't come out”. Never get a break (19).
• mata to naionce-in-a-lifetime, golden (chance)19×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “there is no again”. A golden chance (19); usually mata to nai chansu.
• hana ni tsukube off-putting, grate on you18×Feelings & temper. Literally “it sticks to the nose”. Something that grates on you. Said now and then (17 hits).
• mi o musubupay off, come to fruition18×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “bear fruit”. Pay off, come to fruition (18); more speeches than chat.
• ote no monoyour speciality, child's play for you18×What people are like. Literally “a thing of (your) hand”. 'Your speciality' (18 hits).
• sasshi ga tsukucan guess, can tell (sasshi ga ii = quick on the uptake)18×Noticing & the mind. Literally “a guess attaches”. 'Can guess'; 11 hits.
• hana o orutake someone down a peg (hana o heshioru)18×Getting on with people. Literally “break the nose”. Take someone down a peg (18 hits, judged 2).
• mikiri o tsukerugive up on, write off18×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “attach a cut-off”. Give up on, write off (18).
• kate ni surudraw strength from, learn from (a setback)18×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “make it food”. 'Learn from a setback' (shippai o kate ni). 18 to 20 hits, mostly interview talk.
• daitan futekiaudacious, brazen18×What people are like. Literally “bold, fearing no enemy”. 'Audacious' (18 hits); leans written.
• zutsuu no tanea source of worry18×Feelings & temper. Literally “the seed of a headache”. Twin of nayami no tane (the maybe pick), and said less.
• nasake yousha naimerciless, ruthless18×What people are like. Literally “no pity, no pardon”. 'Merciless' (18 hits); mostly dramatic.
• tedama ni toruplay someone, manipulate17×Getting on with people. Literally “handle like a juggling beanbag”. Play someone, manipulate (14 hits, judged 2).
• ashimoto o mirutake advantage of someone's weak position17×Getting on with people. Literally “look at someone's feet”. Take advantage of a weak position (11 hits), mostly about haggling or exploitation.
• fui o tsukarerube caught off guard17×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “be struck at an unguarded moment”. Be caught off guard (17); more narration and fight scenes than chat.
• jitchuu hakkualmost certainly17×Noticing & the mind. Literally “eight or nine in ten”. 'Almost certainly'; 17 hits, and tabun or kitto do the everyday job.
• kata ni hamarube stereotyped, conventional (kata ni hameru = force into a mould)17×What people are like. Literally “fit into the mould”. 'Stereotyped, conventional' (17 hits).
• hitoawa fukaserugive someone a nasty surprise, get one over on them17×Getting on with people. Literally “make them blow a froth”. Get one over on someone (17 hits).
• hi no me o mirufinally see the light of day, get recognised17×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “see the eye of the sun”. Finally see the light of day (17).
• te o komanekusit on your hands, stand by doing nothing17×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “fold the arms (in sleeves)”. 'Sit on your hands'. Only 17 hits.
• kokoro ga ugokube tempted, swayed (by an offer)17×Feelings & temper. Literally “the heart moves”. Being tempted by an offer (17 hits). Fine, but not frequent.
• machi ni mattalong-awaited17×Feelings & temper. Literally “waited and waited”. 'Long-awaited'. Mostly announcements and ads (17 hits).
• neta ni narumake good material for a story or joke (neta ni suru = joke about)17×Talking & listening. Literally “become material”. Making good material for a story or joke; 15 hits.
• oriai o tsukerucome to terms with, compromise (oriai ga warui = not get along)17×Getting on with people. Literally “attach a folding-together”. Come to terms with (17 hits, judged 2).
• fukami ni hamaruget in too deep17×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “fall into the depths”. Get in too deep (17).
• tanjun meikaisimple and straightforward17×Talking & listening. Literally “simple and clear”. 'Simple and clear', mostly when explaining rules; 17 hits.
• saigo no toridethe last line of defence17×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the last fortress”. The last line of defence (17).
• sono ba shinogia stopgap, a quick fix17×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “getting through the spot”. 'A stopgap, quick fix'. Only 14 to 17 hits.
• enjin ga kakaruget going, warm up to a task17×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the engine starts”. 'Get going, warm up'. Only 5 hits, and the literal enjin o kakeru is already in the collocation list.
• fui ni suruthrow away (a chance, a deal), blow it17×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “make it into nothing”. Blow a chance (17); bou ni furu is commoner.
• ki ga nukerulose steam; go flat16×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the ki leaks out”. Means 'lose steam' or a drink going flat. 12 to 16 hits, and ki o nuku is close.
• koshi o nukasube stunned with shock or surprise16×Feelings & temper. Literally “have one's hips give out”. Being floored by shock or fright. Only about 14 hits.
• me no kataki ni suruhave it in for someone16×Getting on with people. Literally “make someone your eyes' enemy”. Have it in for someone (16 hits); real but less frequent.
• hana ga kikuhave a knack for sniffing things out16×What people are like. Literally “your nose works well”. 'Have a nose for things' (16 hits, many about actual smell).
• ki o momufret, worry while waiting16×Feelings & temper. Literally “knead your mind”. Fretting while you wait. In casual talk people say yakimoki or just shinpai.
• te o someruto get involved in something bad, like crime16×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “dye one's hands”. Get involved in crime or something bad (16).
• jishin manmanfull of confidence, cocky16×What people are like. Literally “confidence brimming over”. 'Full of confidence' (16 hits).
• kyoumi hon'iout of mere curiosity16×Noticing & the mind. Literally “interest as the basis”. 'Just out of curiosity'; 16 hits.
• irome o tsukauflirt with, make eyes at16×Getting on with people. Literally “use colour-eyes”. Make eyes at (16 hits).
• batsu ga waruifeel awkward or sheepish (after being caught out)16×Feelings & temper. Literally “the match is bad”. The same sheepish feeling as kimari ga warui (the maybe pick), and said less.
• shippo o makuback down, turn tail16×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “curl the tail”. Back down, turn tail (16).
• ikkoku o arasoube extremely urgent16×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “fight over a moment”. 'Every second counts'. 15 to 16 hits, mostly emergency scenes.
• me ga todokube able to keep watch over16×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the eyes reach”. 'Can keep an eye on'; 4 hits.
• ashi o hakobumake the trip to visit, go somewhere in person15×Getting on with people. Literally “carry one's feet”. Make the trip in person; a politer, mostly formal phrase (15 hits).
• gokigen nanamein a bad mood, grumpy15×Feelings & temper. Literally “mood tilted”. A slightly jokey, old-fashioned 'in a bad mood' (13 hits).
• dobu ni suteruwaste (money or effort) completely15×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “throw it in the gutter”. Throw money down the drain (15); just below the line.
• kanninbukuro no o ga kirerufinally run out of patience15×Feelings & temper. Literally “the cord of my patience bag snaps”. A classic idiom, but mostly used for dramatic or comic effect (15 hits).
• yowami ni tsukekomuto take advantage of someone's weak spot15×Getting on with people. Literally “push into a weakness”. Exploit a weak spot (15 hits).
• shippo o dasuto give oneself away15×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “put out one's tail”. Give yourself away (15); boro ga deru is commoner.
• kubi o hinerube puzzled, scratch your head15×Noticing & the mind. Literally “twist the neck”. 'Be puzzled'; about 20 hits, many of them literal head-tilting.
• kata o naraberube on a par with, rival15×What people are like. Literally “line up shoulders”. 'Be on a par with' (15 hits).
• nirami o kikaserukeep people in line, keep a watchful eye15×Getting on with people. Literally “make one's glare take effect”. Keep people in line (15 hits, judged 2).
• te o musubujoin forces, team up (often with a former rival)15×Getting on with people. Literally “tie hands”. Join forces (15 hits, judged 2).
• kanzen muketsuflawless, absolutely perfect15×What people are like. Literally “complete and without flaw”. 'Flawless' (15 hits); a bit formal.
• ne ga fukaideep-rooted (a problem, a grudge)15×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the roots are deep”. Deep-rooted (5).
• nukari naiall taken care of, nothing overlooked; shrewd15×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “there are no slip-ups”. 'Nothing overlooked'. Only 7 to 15 hits.
• yubi o kuwaete mirustand by enviously or helplessly14×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “watch with a finger in one's mouth”. Watch enviously, unable to act (9).
• chi ni ashi o tsukerube grounded and realistic14×What people are like. Literally “put one's feet on the ground”. 'Be down to earth' (14 hits); heard more in advice than in daily talk.
• kokoro o irekaerureform, change your ways14×What people are like. Literally “replace your heart”. 'Reform, change your ways' (14 hits); mostly in scoldings and dramas.
• ichimoku okurespect someone's ability14×Getting on with people. Literally “place one stone (go handicap)”. Respect someone's ability (13 hits); a bit formal.
• jirai o fumutouch a sore spot14×Talking & listening. Literally “step on a landmine”. Modern casual 'stepped on a landmine' for a remark that went badly; 13 hits, some of them literal.
• doji o fumumess up, blow it14×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “step on a blunder”. Mess up (10); doji on its own (what a klutz) is the commoner use. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• me o utagaucan't believe what you're seeing14×Noticing & the mind. Literally “doubt your eyes”. 'Can't believe my eyes'; 13 hits.
• banji kyuusuall is lost; there's nothing left to try14×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “all ten thousand things come to rest”. All is lost (14); ikkan no owari is the commoner one.
• urami o kauto make enemies; earn someone's grudge14×Getting on with people. Literally “buy a grudge”. Earn someone's grudge (14 hits).
• moroha no tsurugisomething that can help or hurt you14×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a double-edged sword”. Something that can help or hurt you (14).
• futatsu ni hitotsuit's one or the other, you have to choose14×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one of two”. It's one or the other (14).
• sei ga deruwork hard (sei ga demasu ne = you're hard at it!)14×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “vigour comes out”. A greeting to someone hard at work (sei ga demasu ne). 14 hits, mostly from older speakers.
• me o ubaube dazzling, captivating (me o ubawareru)14×Noticing & the mind. Literally “steal the eyes”. 'Be dazzling'; 13 hits.
• genjitsu touhiescapism, avoiding facing things14×Noticing & the mind. Literally “escape from reality”. 'Escapism'; 14 hits.
• kokoro o tozasuclose oneself off, shut people out14×Getting on with people. Literally “shut one's heart”. Shut people out (14 hits); kokoro o hiraku is the commoner one to ask for.
• ude ga namaruget rusty, lose one's touch13×What people are like. Literally “one's arm goes dull”. 'Get rusty' (about 10 hits).
• kaminari ga ochiruget yelled at by a parent or boss13×Feelings & temper. Literally “thunder falls”. Getting yelled at by dad or the boss. A bit dated, and many hits are real lightning.
• shiri metsuretsuincoherent; makes no sense13×Talking & listening. Literally “scattered and torn apart”. 'Incoherent, makes no sense'; 13 hits.
• uchouten ni narube over the moon, get carried away with joy13×Feelings & temper. Literally “reach the top of the heavens”. Over the moon. Only about 13 hits.
• tazei ni buzeihopelessly outnumbered13×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “many forces against no forces”. Hopelessly outnumbered (13); fight scenes.
• shippo o maite nigerurun off with one's tail between one's legs13×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “roll up one's tail and run”. Run off with your tail between your legs (13).
• ima ni hajimatta koto ja naithat's nothing new (they've always been like that)13×Talking & listening. Literally “it's not something that started now”. 'That's nothing new with them'; 13 hits.
• ageku no hateand to top it all, in the end13×Talking & listening. Literally “the end of the final verse”. 'And to top it all'; 10 hits.
• kokoro ga semaipetty, small-minded13×What people are like. Literally “the heart is narrow”. 'Petty, small-minded' (about 13 hits).
• saki o yomuanticipate, think a few moves ahead13×Noticing & the mind. Literally “read ahead”. 'Think ahead'; 10 hits.
• me o kakerutake someone under your wing, favour them13×Getting on with people. Literally “hang the eyes (on someone)”. Take someone under your wing (13 hits).
• iya to iu hodomore than enough, painfully (well)13×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “to the point of saying 'no more'”. 'More than enough, painfully well'. Only 9 to 13 hits.
• giri wa naibe under no obligation (tasukeru giri wa nai)13×Getting on with people. Literally “there's no obligation”. Be under no obligation (13 hits).
• akarumi ni derucome to light13×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “come out into the light”. Come to light (13); news style.
• ke ga haetaonly slightly better than (amachua ni ke ga haeta teido)13×Noticing & the mind. Literally “grew hair”. 'Only slightly better than'; 9 hits.
• hikiai ni dasucite as an example, drag into a comparison13×Talking & listening. Literally “put out as a comparison”. Citing as an example, a bit formal; 14 hits.
• yubi ni hairurank among the top few (go-hon no yubi ni hairu)13×What people are like. Literally “enter the (counted) fingers”. 'Rank among the top few' (13 hits); mostly in rankings.
• hare no butaia big moment in the spotlight13×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a sunny stage”. A big moment in the spotlight (13).
• otoko no naka no otokoa real man13×What people are like. Literally “a man among men”. 'A real man' (13 hits).
• katte deruvolunteer for, willingly take on (a role)13×Getting on with people. Literally “buy (the job) and step forward”. Volunteer for a role (13 hits).
• nagai me de mirube patient, take the long view12×Getting on with people. Literally “look with a long eye”. Take the long view (12 hits); a real advice phrase but less frequent. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ude no misedokorothe moment to show one's skill12×What people are like. Literally “the place to show one's arm”. 'Time to show your skill' (12 hits); mostly in cooking or craft settings.
• munasawagi ga suruhave a bad feeling (that something is wrong)12×Feelings & temper. Literally “the chest is in an uproar”. A bad feeling something's wrong. People more often say iya na yokan ga suru (12 hits).
• me no hoyoua pleasure to look at12×Feelings & temper. Literally “rest cure for the eyes”. 'Eye candy'. Fun, but only about 12 hits.
• hyouzan no ikkakuonly a small visible part of the problem12×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one corner of the iceberg”. Only the visible bit of the problem (12); mostly news talk.
• hotobori ga samerufor things to blow over12×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the lingering heat cools”. Until things blow over (6); useful but not common enough.
• kokoro koko ni arazudistracted, a million miles away12×Noticing & the mind. Literally “heart not here”. Same idea as uwa no sora but a bit literary; 11 hits.
• koi wa moumokupeople in love can't see their partner's faults12×Noticing & the mind. Literally “love is blind”. 'Love is blind'; 6 hits.
• hana o akasuto outsmart someone who looked down on you12×Getting on with people. Literally “make someone's nose open”. Outsmart someone who looked down on you (12 hits).
• otoshimae o tsukeruto make someone pay; settle the score12×Getting on with people. Literally “attach the settlement”. Make someone pay, gangster talk (12 hits).
• migaki o kakeruhone or polish up (a skill)12×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “apply polish”. 'Polish up a skill'. Only 12 hits.
• utsutsu o nukasube infatuated with something, neglecting everything else for it (love, games)12×Noticing & the mind. Literally “lose one's waking reality”. 'Be infatuated'; 12 hits.
• me ni yakitsukube etched in your memory (me ni yakitsukeru = take it all in)12×Noticing & the mind. Literally “burn onto the eyes”. 'Etched in my memory'; 9 hits.
• tsuki ga mawatte kuruluck turns your way12×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “luck comes around”. Luck turns your way (12); just below the line.
• kotoba o ushinaube left speechless (with shock)12×Talking & listening. Literally “lose words”. Left speechless, mostly in narration; 10 hits.
• koshi o suerusettle down to something properly12×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “set the hips”. 'Knuckle down'. Only 12 hits.
• kao o ogamuget to see someone's face (often ironic or threatening)12×Getting on with people. Literally “worship the face”. Get to see someone's face (12 hits, judged 2).
• naka o sakucome between, split up (a couple or friends)12×Getting on with people. Literally “tear the relationship”. Come between two people (12 hits, judged 2).
• hankan o kauprovoke resentment12×Getting on with people. Literally “buy antipathy”. Provoke resentment (12 hits, judged 2).
• uppun o harasuvent one's frustration12×Feelings & temper. Literally “clear away pent-up anger”. Venting frustration. Only about 12 hits, and a bit formal.
• neji o makutighten up, get someone (or oneself) going12×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “wind the spring”. 'Tighten up, get going'. Only 12 hits, partly literal winding.
• kage mo katachi mo nainot a trace left12×Noticing & the mind. Literally “neither shadow nor shape”. 'Not a trace left'; 8 hits.
• kokoro o hitotsu ni suruunite, pull together12×Getting on with people. Literally “make hearts one”. Unite (12 hits).
• kokoro o yurusuopen up to someone, trust them (kokoro o yuruseru tomodachi)12×Getting on with people. Literally “allow one's heart”. Trust someone, let them in (14 hits); kokoro o hiraku is the commoner one to ask for.
• shika nou ga naibe good for nothing but ~ (shaberu shika nou ga nai = all he can do is talk)12×What people are like. Literally “have no ability except ~”. 'Good for nothing but' (12 hits).
• iu wa yasuku okonau wa katashieasier said than done12×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “saying is easy, doing is hard”. 'Easier said than done', a classical-grammar saying. 12 hits.
• chimatsuri ni agerumake an example of, slaughter12×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “offer up as a blood sacrifice”. Make an example of someone (12).
• urami o harasuget revenge12×Getting on with people. Literally “clear a grudge”. Get revenge (12 hits); a revenge-plot line.
• hadami hanasazu(keep it) on you at all times12×Noticing & the mind. Literally “without parting it from one's skin”. 'Keep it on you at all times'; 12 hits.
• nigeashi ga hayaiquick to bail out or vanish when trouble comes12×What people are like. Literally “one's running-away legs are fast”. 'Quick to bail out' (12 hits).
• hanashi o awaseruplay along in a conversation11×Talking & listening. Literally “match the talk”. Playing along in a conversation; 10 hits.
• hana de warauscoff at, sneer at11×Getting on with people. Literally “laugh through your nose”. Scoff at (11 hits).
• ita ni tsukustart to look natural in a role11×What people are like. Literally “settle onto the stage boards”. 'Start to look natural in a role' (9 hits).
• hitokawa mukerucome into your own11×What people are like. Literally “shed a layer of skin”. 'Come into your own' (about 9 hits).
• jibara o kirupay out of your own pocket11×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “cut one's own belly”. Pay out of your own pocket; people mostly just say jibara de (11). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• chi ga sawaguto get fired up and itch to join in11×Feelings & temper. Literally “the blood stirs”. Blood stirring, itching to join a fight. About 13 hits, mostly action films.
• sekinin tenkablaming others, dodging responsibility11×Getting on with people. Literally “shifting responsibility onto another”. Shifting blame (11 hits).
• shinken shoubua serious contest, playing for real11×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a match with real swords”. 'A serious contest, playing for real'. Only 11 hits.
• arashi no mae no shizukesaan ominous calm11×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the quiet before the storm”. An ominous calm (11).
• mune ni shimaukeep it to yourself11×Talking & listening. Literally “put away in the chest”. Keeping it to yourself; 10 hits.
• kumo no ue no hitosomeone far above you, out of reach11×Getting on with people. Literally “a person above the clouds”. Out of your league (11 hits); takane no hana is the commoner one to ask for.
• kenka goshicombative, spoiling for a fight (kenka goshi de iu)11×Getting on with people. Literally “a fighting stance (hips)”. Spoiling for a fight (11 hits).
• hanashi o toosuclear it with someone, go through the proper person11×Talking & listening. Literally “pass the talk through”. Clearing it with the right person, mostly at work; 14 hits.
• choushi ga deruget into one's stride, warm up11×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the rhythm comes out”. 'Get into your stride'. Only 11 hits.
• hen na ki o okosuget funny ideas (hen na ki o okosu na = don't try anything)11×Noticing & the mind. Literally “raise a strange spirit”. 'Get funny ideas'; 3 hits.
• teki no teki wa mikatathe enemy of my enemy is my friend11×Getting on with people. Literally “the enemy's enemy is an ally”. Mostly translated lines (11 hits).
• omei henjoumaking up for a failure, clearing one's name11×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “returning the bad name”. Make up for a failure (11); mostly sports and business.
• hogo ni surugo back on (a promise or deal)11×Getting on with people. Literally “turn into scrap paper”. Go back on a promise (11 hits).
• ikita kokochi ga shinaibe scared out of one's wits11×Feelings & temper. Literally “no feeling of being alive”. Scared out of your wits. About 11 hits.
• nasu sube mo naihelpless, nothing one can do11×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “no way to act”. 'Helpless, nothing to be done'. 11 hits, and it's written-ish.
• iki ga kakarube under someone's influence11×Getting on with people. Literally “someone's breath is on it”. Be under someone's influence (11 hits).
• waga michi o ikugo one's own way regardless of others11×What people are like. Literally “go along my own road”. 'Go your own way' (11 hits).
• iki o fukikaesurevive, come back to life (a business, a team)11×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “breathe again”. Come back to life (11).
• kikoe ga iisounds nice (but the reality is different)11×Talking & listening. Literally “the sound of it is good”. 'Sounds nice on paper'; 10 hits.
• ki ga ki ja naiworried sick, on edge10×Feelings & temper. Literally “my mind isn't my mind”. Worried sick. Only about 10 hits.
• ude o migakuhone one's skills10×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “polish one's arm”. 'Hone your skills'. Only 9 to 10 hits.
• jibun no kubi o shimerumake things worse for oneself10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “strangle one's own neck”. Make things worse for yourself (9); boketsu o horu is the commoner way.
• hanashi ga mienaiI don't follow, where's this going?10×Talking & listening. Literally “can't see the talk”. 'I don't follow where this is going'; 14 hits, and the kept wake ga wakaranai covers most uses.
• yo mo suethings have got this bad10×Feelings & temper. Literally “the world too is at its end”. 'What's the world coming to'. Sounds like an older speaker (10 hits).
• aji o shimeruget a taste for it (after one success)10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “occupy the taste”. Get a taste for it after one win (9); just below the line. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ii kao o suruplay nice; (negative) disapprove10×Getting on with people. Literally “make a good face”. Play nice, or (ii kao shinai) disapprove; only 2 hits for the disapproving use.
• jiga jisanpraising your own work10×Talking & listening. Literally “praising your own painting”. Self-mocking 'if I say so myself'; 10 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• on o ada de kaesubetray someone who helped you10×Getting on with people. Literally “repay a kindness with harm”. Betray someone who helped you (judged 2).
• ki ga tatsube on edge, irritable10×Feelings & temper. Literally “spirit stands up”. Being on edge or irritable. Only about 9 hits.
• mi no hodo shirazusomeone who doesn't know their place10×What people are like. Literally “not knowing one's own measure”. 'Doesn't know their place' (7 to 10 hits); mostly dramatic taunts.
• muga muchuucompletely absorbed; acting without thinking10×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “without self, inside a dream”. 'Completely absorbed, acting without thinking'. Only 10 hits.
• nichijou sahanjian everyday occurrence, nothing unusual10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a daily tea-and-rice matter”. An everyday occurrence (10).
• shikou sakugotrial and error10×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “trials and errors”. 'Trial and error'. Only 10 hits.
• akusen kutoua hard struggle, fighting an uphill battle10×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “bad battle, bitter fight”. 'An uphill battle'. Only 10 hits, mostly in news-style lines.
• ai no muchitough love, strictness for someone's own good10×Getting on with people. Literally “the whip of love”. Tough love (10 hits).
• un no tsukithat was where it all went wrong for them10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the end of one's luck”. Where their luck ran out (10).
• hara o kimerumake up your mind, commit10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “decide the belly”. Make up your mind (10); hara o kukuru is commoner.
• ashidome o kuube held up, get stuck (by weather, trains)10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “eat a foot-stop”. Get held up by weather or trains (10).
• hanashi ga tobujump topics, skip ahead (in a story)10×Talking & listening. Literally “the talk flies”. Jumping topics; 10 hits.
• mato o shiborunarrow down, focus on10×Noticing & the mind. Literally “narrow the target”. 'Narrow down'; 11 hits.
• ude ga tatsube skilled (at fighting or a craft)10×What people are like. Literally “the arm stands”. 'Be skilled' (10 hits).
• ku ni naranainot mind, not find it a burden10×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “doesn't become pain”. 'Not find it a burden'. Only 10 hits.
• hone o uzumerudevote one's life to (a place or a company)10×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “bury one's bones”. 'Devote your life to a place'. Only 10 hits.
• te o hirogerubranch out, expand (a business or interests)10×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “spread one's hands”. 'Branch out'. Only 10 hits, partly literal.
• nige mo kakure mo shinaiI'm not going anywhere, I'll face it10×What people are like. Literally “neither run nor hide”. 'I'm not going anywhere' (10 hits).
• isshoku sokuhatsuon the verge of blowing up10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one touch, instant explosion”. On the verge of blowing up (10); news style.
• hyakusen renmaa seasoned veteran10×What people are like. Literally “trained in a hundred battles”. 'A seasoned veteran' (10 hits); a bit bookish.
• monzen baraibeing turned away at the door, refused outright10×Getting on with people. Literally “being sent away before the gate”. Turned away at the door (10 hits).
• bu ga waruithe odds are against you10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the share is bad”. The odds are against you (10); just below the line.
• na o agerumake a name for oneself10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “raise one's name”. Make a name for yourself (10).
• omoshiro hanbunhalf in jest, just for kicks10×Noticing & the mind. Literally “half for fun”. 'Half for fun'; 10 hits.
• shourai yuuboupromising, with a bright future10×What people are like. Literally “future full of hope”. 'Promising' (10 hits).
• ihyou o tsukudo the unexpected, take someone by surprise10×Noticing & the mind. Literally “strike outside what was expected”. 'Take someone by surprise'; 15 hits.
• tadamono ja naino ordinary person, someone special or formidable10×What people are like. Literally “not an ordinary person”. 'No ordinary person' (about 6 to 10 hits).
• mi no take ni attasuited to one's means or level10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “matching one's body height”. Within your means (10).
• sutegoma ni sarerube used as an expendable pawn10×Getting on with people. Literally “be made a discarded (shogi) piece”. Used as a pawn (10 hits).
• hone no zui madethrough and through, to the core10×What people are like. Literally “to the marrow of the bones”. 'To the core' (10 hits).
• misakai ga naiindiscriminate, losing all sense (when angry, drunk or in love)10×What people are like. Literally “there is no line of judgement”. 'Indiscriminate' (10 hits).
• atama ga sagarudeeply admire, respect9×Getting on with people. Literally “the head lowers (by itself)”. Deeply admire (atama ga sagarimasu); polite and less frequent.
• mimi ni nokorustick in one's head (song, voice)9×Noticing & the mind. Literally “remain in the ears”. A catchy song or voice sticking in your head; 3 hits.
• tsume ga amaibe sloppy at the finish9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the endgame is soft”. 'Sloppy at the finish'. Only 7 to 9 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ki o yurusulet your guard down with someone, trust9×Getting on with people. Literally “allow your mind”. Let your guard down with someone; kokoro o hiraku is the commoner one to ask for.
• suji ga iihave a natural knack9×What people are like. Literally “the grain is good”. 'Have a natural knack' (about 3 to 9 hits); mostly from teachers and coaches.
• mochitsu motaretsumutual give-and-take9×Getting on with people. Literally “holding and being held”. Mutual give-and-take (9 hits).
• mi o katameruget married and settle9×Getting on with people. Literally “firm up your body”. Marry and settle down (9 hits); a bit old-fashioned.
• kao o tsubusumake someone lose face9×Getting on with people. Literally “crush someone's face”. Make someone lose face (8 hits).
• junpuu manpaneverything going smoothly9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “fair wind, full sails”. Everything going smoothly (9); more a written compliment than talk.
• kage ga usuieasy to overlook, forgettable9×What people are like. Literally “one's shadow is thin”. 'Easy to overlook, forgettable' (about 4 to 9 hits).
• chimanako ni narusearch frantically, go all out9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “become bloodshot eyes”. 'Search frantically'. Only 9 hits.
• seppa tsumarube cornered, desperate (under pressure)9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the sword-guard collar jams”. 'Cornered, desperate'. Only 5 to 9 hits, and shiri ni hi ga tsuku covers the deadline sense.
• ki ga shirenaiI can't understand what they're thinking9×Noticing & the mind. Literally “can't know their mind”. 'I can't understand what they're thinking'; 8 hits.
• chie o shiboruthink hard to come up with a way9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “wring out your wits”. 'Rack your brains for a way'. Only 8 to 9 hits.
• toki wa kane naritime is valuable, don't waste it9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “time is money”. 'Time is money'. Only 9 hits.
• wagamono gaoacting as if you own the place9×What people are like. Literally “a face as if it's yours”. 'Acting like you own the place' (about 8 hits).
• kankodori ga nakua shop or business is dead quiet9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the cuckoo calls”. A shop is dead quiet (9).
• jisaku jiena setup staged by the person themselves9×Talking & listening. Literally “self-written, self-performed”. A setup someone staged themselves; 9 hits.
• ne ga harube pricey9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the price stretches”. Be pricey (9).
• kane no naru kia money-spinner, a source of endless money9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a tree that grows money”. A money-spinner (9).
• nami ga arube inconsistent, have ups and downs (in mood, form, grades)9×What people are like. Literally “there are waves”. 'Inconsistent, has ups and downs' (9 hits, some literal waves).
• me ga derustart to make it, get a break (usually negative: me ga denai)9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a sprout comes out”. Start to make it, get a break (9); mostly the negative me ga denai.
• mono o iu(experience, money) count, make the difference9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “speak things”. Experience or money is what counts (9).
• dogimo o nukuastound, blow someone away9×Feelings & temper. Literally “pull out the liver”. 'Blow someone away'. Mostly headlines and narration (9 hits).
• okado chigaimisdirected (blaming or asking the wrong person)9×Getting on with people. Literally “the wrong gate”. Asking or blaming the wrong person (9 hits).
• kemu ni makuconfuse someone to dodge a question9×Talking & listening. Literally “wrap in smoke”. Confusing someone to dodge a question; 9 hits.
• joudan ga tsuujinaican't take a joke, has no sense of humour9×What people are like. Literally “jokes don't get through”. 'Can't take a joke' (9 hits).
• atama o kirikaeruswitch gears, change one's thinking9×Noticing & the mind. Literally “switch the head”. 'Switch gears'; 8 hits.
• toge ga arube barbed, have an edge (words or tone)9×Talking & listening. Literally “there are thorns”. Barbed words or tone; 14 hits.
• saguri o irerusound someone out, put out feelers9×Talking & listening. Literally “put in a probe”. Sounding someone out; 9 hits.
• retteru o harulabel, pigeonhole someone9×Getting on with people. Literally “stick a label on”. Label someone (9 hits, judged 2).
• nari o hisomerulie low, go quiet9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “hush the sound”. Lie low (9).
• yoku o dasuget greedy, want more9×What people are like. Literally “put out greed”. 'Get greedy' (9 hits).
• kono go ni oyondeat this late stage, even now (still making excuses?)9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “having reached this period”. At this late stage (9).
• mizu irazujust the family, with no outsiders9×Getting on with people. Literally “no water let in”. Just the family, no outsiders (9 hits).
• heikousen o tadorunever reach agreement9×Talking & listening. Literally “follow parallel lines”. Never reaching agreement; 9 hits.
• hima o moteamasuhave too much time on one's hands9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “have more free time than one can handle”. 'Have too much time on your hands'. Only 9 hits.
• nanori o ageruvolunteer, come forward as a candidate9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “raise one's name-call”. 'Volunteer, come forward'. Only 9 hits.
• te no hodokoshiyou ga nainothing can be done, beyond help9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “no way to apply the hand”. 'Beyond help'. Only 9 hits, and it's mostly doctors' lines.
• negattari kanattariexactly what I wanted9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “wished-for and granted”. Exactly what I wanted (4); negatte mo nai is the commoner one.
• tobacchiri o kuuget caught up in someone else's trouble9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “eat the spatter”. Get caught in the crossfire (9); makizoe o kuu is commoner.
• aji ga aruhas character, has a certain charm9×What people are like. Literally “has flavour”. 'Has character' (9 hits, some literal flavour).
• jikan to no shoubua race against time9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a match against time”. 'A race against time'. Only 9 hits.
• fukurodataki ni surugang up on someone; pile on (also online)9×Getting on with people. Literally “beat someone in a bag”. Gang up on someone (9 hits).
• ha o kuishibarugrit your teeth and endure8×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “clench one's teeth”. 'Grit your teeth'. Only 8 hits, and it's often a literal description.
• tegotae ga arufeel it went well; get a response8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “there's a response in the hand”. Feel it went well, get a response; usually just the noun tegotae.
• karada o haruput oneself on the line, go all out8×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “stretch out one's body”. 'Put yourself on the line'. Only 6 to 8 hits.
• kao o taterulet someone save face, defer to them8×Getting on with people. Literally “stand someone's face up”. Let someone save face (6 hits).
• atama o kakaerube at your wits' end8×Feelings & temper. Literally “hold your head in your arms”. Often just means holding your head in your hands. The figurative use is rarer.
• koto o aradaterumake a fuss, escalate a problem8×Getting on with people. Literally “make things rough”. Make a fuss, escalate things (5 hits).
• shibire o kirasurun out of patience waiting8×Feelings & temper. Literally “use up the pins-and-needles”. Losing patience waiting. Only about 8 hits.
• hakushi ni modosuscrap the plan and start over, call it off8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “return it to a blank sheet”. Scrap the plan and start over (8); furidashi ni modoru is commoner.
• namikaze o taterucause friction, upset the peace8×Getting on with people. Literally “stir up wind and waves”. Cause friction (7 hits).
• shinki ittena fresh start, with a new attitude8×Feelings & temper. Literally “the mind turns over once”. A fresh start. Mostly in speeches and new-year talk (8 hits).
• takami no kenbutsuwatching others' trouble from a safe distance8×Noticing & the mind. Literally “sightseeing from a high place”. 'Watching from a safe distance'; 8 hits.
• happou fusagarinowhere left to turn8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “blocked in all eight directions”. Nowhere left to turn (8); zettai zetsumei is commoner.
• kara ni tojikomoruwithdraw into oneself8×Getting on with people. Literally “shut oneself in one's shell”. Withdraw into oneself (8 hits).
• amai shiru o suuskim the profits, live off other people's work8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “suck the sweet juice”. Skim the profits off others' work (8).
• kaze o fukasulord it over others as a senior (senpai-kaze o fukasu)8×Getting on with people. Literally “make the wind blow”. Lord it over juniors (senpai-kaze, 8 hits).
• chuu ni ukube left up in the air, unresolved8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “float in mid-air”. Be left up in the air (8).
• ware ni kaerucome to one's senses8×Noticing & the mind. Literally “return to oneself”. 'Come to one's senses'; 8 hits.
• toppyoushi mo naiwild, outlandish (of an idea or remark)8×Talking & listening. Literally “off the beat entirely”. A wild, outlandish idea; 9 hits.
• kama o kakerutrick someone into letting something slip8×Talking & listening. Literally “hook with a sickle”. Tricking someone into letting it slip, mostly detective drama; 5 hits.
• oshi ga tsuyoipushy, won't take no for an answer (oshi ga yowai = timid)8×What people are like. Literally “the push is strong”. 'Pushy' (5 to 8 hits); the opposite of the kept oshi ni yowai.
• me o nusumudo something behind someone's back (oya no me o nusunde)8×Getting on with people. Literally “steal (someone's) eyes”. Do something behind someone's back (8 hits).
• atosaki kangaezuwithout thinking of the consequences, recklessly8×What people are like. Literally “without thinking of after and before”. 'Recklessly' (8 hits).
• gata ga kurustart falling apart (an ageing body or machine)8×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the rattle comes”. 'Start falling apart' (an ageing body or machine). Only 8 hits.
• kioku ga tobublack out (from drinking); one's mind goes blank8×Noticing & the mind. Literally “memory flies”. 'Black out from drinking'; 7 hits.
• mimi ni irerulet someone know, tip someone off (omimi ni iretai koto ga)8×Talking & listening. Literally “put into the ear”. Tipping someone off; 11 hits.
• rotou ni mayoube left destitute, out on the street8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “wander the roadside”. Be left out on the street (8).
• sei o dasuwork hard at (sei ga demasu ne = greeting to someone at work)8×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “put out vigour”. 'Work hard at'. Only 8 hits.
• gotaku o naraberuspout excuses or pompous talk (gotaku wa ii = cut the crap)8×Talking & listening. Literally “line up oracles”. A rough 'spout excuses', mostly the brush-off gotaku wa ii; 11 hits.
• meboshi o tsukeruhave someone or something in mind, narrow it down (meboshi ga tsuku)8×Noticing & the mind. Literally “attach an eye-star”. 'Have someone in mind'; 9 hits.
• jiyuu jizaifreely, at will8×What people are like. Literally “free, at one's will”. 'Freely, at will' (8 hits).
• hyappatsu hyakuchuunever misses; always right8×What people are like. Literally “a hundred shots, a hundred hits”. 'Never misses' (8 hits).
• meiyo bankaiwinning back one's reputation8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “honour restored”. Win back your reputation (8); omei henjou is more used.
• keisei gyakutenturning the tables8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “situation reversed”. Turn the tables (8); news and sports.
• ichimai kamuhave a hand in something, be in on it8×Getting on with people. Literally “bite one sheet”. Be in on something (8 hits).
• okubyoukaze ni fukarerulose one's nerve8×Feelings & temper. Literally “be blown by the coward's wind”. Getting cold feet. Only about 8 hits.
• indou o watasutell someone flatly that it's over8×Getting on with people. Literally “hand over the funeral sermon”. Tell someone it's over (8 hits).
• ada ni narubackfire8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “turn into an enemy”. Backfire (8); urame ni deru is commoner.
• maruku narumellow with age, calm down8×What people are like. Literally “become round”. 'Mellow with age' (8 hits, many literal 'become round').
• kiten ga kikuquick-witted, resourceful8×What people are like. Literally “quick turns of mind work”. 'Quick-witted' (about 7 hits).
• sekentei ga waruiit looks bad to others8×Getting on with people. Literally “the public appearance is bad”. It looks bad to others (8 hits).
• bita ichimonnot a single penny (with negative)8×Getting on with people. Literally “a single worn coin”. Not a single penny (8 hits).
• ichimokusan ni nigerurun off as fast as one can8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “flee without a glance”. Run off as fast as you can (8).
• hitotamari mo naiwouldn't stand a chance, be wiped out instantly8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “not even a moment's holding out”. Wouldn't stand a chance (8).
• ki ga mawarube attentive, think of every little thing (often negative: soko made ki ga mawaranakatta)8×What people are like. Literally “the spirit goes around”. 'Attentive to every detail' (8 hits).
• onaji tetsu o fumurepeat the same mistake8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “tread in the same rut”. Repeat the same mistake (8); ni no mai is commoner.
• jiyuu kimamafree and easy, carefree8×What people are like. Literally “free and as one pleases”. 'Free and easy' (8 hits).
• genten ni kaerugo back to basics8×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “return to the point of origin”. 'Go back to basics'. Only 8 hits.
• nani o kakusoutruth be told (playful reveal)8×Talking & listening. Literally “what should I hide”. A playful 'truth be told'; 8 hits.
• taraimawashi ni sarerube passed from one person or department to the next8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “be passed around like a washtub (in a juggling act)”. Get passed from desk to desk (8).
• ni no tetsu o fumurepeat someone's (or your own) earlier mistake8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “step in the second wheel-rut”. Repeat a mistake (8); ni no mai is commoner.
• sasshi ga iiquick on the uptake, perceptive8×What people are like. Literally “one's guessing is good”. 'Quick on the uptake' (8 hits).
• awaseru kao ga naitoo ashamed to face someone7×Getting on with people. Literally “I have no face to put before them”. Too ashamed to face someone (3 hits); kaomuke dekinai is the commoner way.
• kuchi o hirakebaevery time someone opens their mouth7×Talking & listening. Literally “if (he) opens his mouth”. Complaint pattern (kuchi o hirakeba monku bakari); 5 hits.
• kuchiguruma ni norube sweet-talked into something7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “ride a mouth cart”. Be sweet-talked into something (7).
• nodo o tooranaitoo upset or nervous to eat7×Feelings & temper. Literally “won't pass through the throat”. Too upset to eat. Only about 5 hits.
• kubi o nagaku shite matsuwait eagerly, look forward to7×Feelings & temper. Literally “wait with a stretched-out neck”. A well-known idiom, but not said much (about 10 hits).
• uraomote ga naigenuine, the same to everyone (uraomote ga aru = two-faced)7×What people are like. Literally “no back and front”. 'The same to everyone' (about 7 hits).
• kao ni doro o nurudisgrace someone (who vouched for you)7×Getting on with people. Literally “smear mud on someone's face”. Disgrace someone who vouched for you (7 hits).
• ite mo tatte mo irarenaitoo anxious or eager to sit still7×Feelings & temper. Literally “can't stay sitting or standing”. Too anxious to sit still. Only about 8 hits.
• migi kara hidariin one ear, out the other7×Noticing & the mind. Literally “from right to left”. 'In one ear, out the other'; 7 hits.
• mushizu ga hashirube utterly disgusted (by someone)7×Feelings & temper. Literally “stomach acid runs up”. Strong disgust at someone. Rare (about 6 hits).
• deta tokoro shoubudecide on the spot, wing it7×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “fighting it out wherever you happen to land”. 'Wing it'. Only 7 hits, and ikiatari battari is the more common way to say it.
• soppo o mukuturn away, refuse to engage7×Getting on with people. Literally “face the other way”. Turn away, refuse to engage (6 hits, judged 2).
• gou ni itte wa gou ni shitagaefollow local customs7×Getting on with people. Literally “entering a village, obey the village”. Follow local customs (8 hits); quoted more than said.
• me ga tobideru hodo takaioutrageously expensive7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “so expensive your eyes pop out”. Eye-wateringly expensive (2); people mostly just say sugoku takai.
• youjin ni koshita koto wa naiyou can't be too careful7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “nothing beats being careful”. You can't be too careful (8); close to sonae areba urei nashi.
• wara ni mo sugaruto grab at anything in desperation7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “cling even to straw”. Grab at anything in desperation (3-7); mostly wara ni mo sugaru omoi.
• senzai ichiguuonce-in-a-lifetime (chance)7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one meeting in a thousand years”. A once-in-a-lifetime chance (7); a bit formal.
• iitai houdaisaying whatever one likes, mouthing off7×Talking & listening. Literally “saying what one wants, unrestrained”. Saying whatever you like; 7 hits.
• man ni hitotsua tiny chance, the slimmest possibility7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one in ten thousand”. The slimmest chance (7).
• kabu ga agarugo up in people's estimation (kabu ga sagaru = go down)7×Getting on with people. Literally “one's shares go up”. Go up in people's estimation (7 hits).
• hitoyaku kauplay a part, help out in something7×Getting on with people. Literally “buy one role”. Do one's bit (7 hits).
• kingyo no funsomeone who tags along everywhere behind another person7×Getting on with people. Literally “goldfish poop”. A tag-along (7 hits); casual but less frequent.
• doko no uma no honesome nobody, a person of unknown background7×Getting on with people. Literally “the bones of whose horse”. Some nobody (7 hits).
• onaji ana no mujinacut from the same cloth (both crooks)7×Getting on with people. Literally “badgers from the same hole”. Both crooks (7 hits); the kept nita mono doushi covers 'two of a kind'.
• ma no nuketadopey, silly, off (of a person, voice or answer)7×What people are like. Literally “with the timing missing”. 'Dopey, off' (7 hits).
• zeitaku wa ienaican't be choosy, have to take what you get7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “can't say luxury”. Can't be choosy (3).
• chinmoku wa kinsilence is golden7×Talking & listening. Literally “silence is gold”. 'Silence is golden'; 7 hits.
• hitohata agerugo out and make a name for oneself7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “raise a flag”. Go out and make a name for yourself (7).
• moto no mokuamiback where one started after all the effort7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “back to (being) Mokuami”. Back where you started (7); furidashi ni modoru is commoner.
• shikii o mataguset foot in someone's house7×Getting on with people. Literally “step over the threshold”. Set foot in someone's house (7 hits), a dramatic line.
• senjin o kirube the first to act7×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “lead the vanguard”. 'Be the first to act'. Only 7 hits.
• doku o motte doku o seisucounter a bad thing with another bad thing7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “control poison with poison”. Counter a bad thing with another (7).
• nekubi o kakubetray someone off guard7×Getting on with people. Literally “cut the neck of the sleeping”. Stab someone in the back (7 hits).
• shakou jireiempty pleasantries, saying it just to be polite7×Talking & listening. Literally “social-courtesy wording”. Empty pleasantries; 7 hits.
• shikatsu mondaia matter of survival7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a life-or-death problem”. A matter of survival (7).
• bikkuri gyoutenutterly astonished, flabbergasted7×Feelings & temper. Literally “startled, looking up at heaven”. A playful 'flabbergasted'. About 7 hits.
• iu koto nashicouldn't be better, perfect7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “nothing to say”. Couldn't be better (7).
• gohasan ni surucall it all off, start from scratch7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “clear the abacus”. Call it all off and start over (7).
• saki ga mienaithe future is uncertain, there's no end in sight7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “can't see ahead”. No end in sight (7); close to plain words.
• mimi o utagaucan't believe what one heard6×Talking & listening. Literally “doubt one's ears”. 'Couldn't believe my ears', mostly in narration; 6 hits.
• kuchi ga sugirusay too much, be out of line6×Talking & listening. Literally “mouth goes too far”. Rebuke 'you've said too much'; iisugi is the everyday form; 6 hits.
• ageashi o torunitpick at someone's words6×Talking & listening. Literally “grab the raised foot”. Nitpicking someone's words; 5 hits, and kechi o tsukeru (maybe) is broader.
• abura o urudawdle, slack off (esp. on an errand)6×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “sell oil”. 'Dawdle on an errand'. Only 6 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• e ni narulook picture-perfect, look great6×What people are like. Literally “become a picture”. 'Look picture-perfect' (6 hits).
• chi mo namida mo naiheartless, cold-blooded6×What people are like. Literally “no blood, no tears”. 'Heartless, cold-blooded' (6 hits).
• saki ga omoiyarareruI dread to think how this will go6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the road ahead is worried over”. I dread to think where this is going (6).
• jou ga utsuruget attached6×Feelings & temper. Literally “feeling transfers over”. Getting attached (often to a pet). Only about 6 hits.
• kimo ga suwaruhave nerves of steel6×What people are like. Literally “your liver sits firm”. 'Have nerves of steel' (about 4 to 6 hits).
• ude o furuushow your skill (especially cooking)6×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “wield your arm”. 'Show off your cooking skills'. Only 4 to 6 hits.
• mekujira o tateruget worked up over trifles6×Feelings & temper. Literally “raise the corners of your eyes”. Fussing over trifles. Rare (4 hits).
• michikusa o kuudawdle, stop off on the way6×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “graze on roadside grass”. 'Dawdle on the way home'. Only 6 hits.
• me no kuroi uchi waas long as I'm alive (I won't allow it)6×Getting on with people. Literally “while my eyes are still black”. A dramatic, old-fashioned threat (3 hits).
• tsura no kawa ga atsuishameless, brazen6×What people are like. Literally “the skin of the face is thick”. 'Thick-skinned, shameless' (0 to 6 hits); rough, casual.
• asu wa wagamiit could happen to me next6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “tomorrow it's my own body”. It could happen to me next (6).
• ichamon o tsukeruto nitpick so as to start a fight6×Talking & listening. Literally “attach a quibble”. Casual cousin of iigakari / kechi o tsukeru (both maybe); 6 hits.
• suzushii kaolooking unbothered when one ought to care6×What people are like. Literally “a cool face”. 'Looking unbothered' (6 hits).
• seiten no hekirekia complete shock6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a thunderclap from a blue sky”. A complete shock (6); nemimi ni mizu is commoner in talk.
• oomedama o kurauto get a good scolding6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “eat the big eyeballs”. Get a big scolding (6).
• bake no kawa ga hagareruto be unmasked6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the disguise skin peels off”. Be unmasked (6); boro ga deru is commoner.
• ninin sankyakutwo people working closely as a team6×Getting on with people. Literally “two people, three legs”. Close two-person teamwork (6 hits).
• taikoban o osuvouch for, guarantee6×Getting on with people. Literally “stamp the big drum-shaped seal”. Vouch for (6 hits).
• motsu beki mono wa tomowhat are friends for (said in thanks)6×Getting on with people. Literally “the thing to have is a friend”. What are friends for (6 hits); a jokey set phrase.
• juunen hayaiyou're nowhere near ready (hyakunen hayai = not in a hundred years)6×What people are like. Literally “ten years too early”. 'You're nowhere near ready' (3 hits; hyakunen hayai 0).
• kumoyuki ga ayashiithings are looking bad6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the clouds' movement looks dubious”. Things are looking bad (6).
• kazamuki ga kawaruthe situation or mood shifts6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the wind direction changes”. The situation or mood shifts (6).
• taka ga shireteruit can't be much, it's nothing special6×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the amount is known”. 'It can't be much'; 5 hits.
• hike o toranaibe second to none, hold one's own6×What people are like. Literally “not take a retreat”. 'Hold your own' (6 hits).
• hanashi o furuturn the conversation to someone, put someone on the spot6×Talking & listening. Literally “swing the talk”. Turning the conversation to someone; 5 hits.
• mune ga odorube thrilled, excited6×Feelings & temper. Literally “the chest dances”. Thrilled. Only about 6 hits.
• naka o torimotsubring two people together, mediate6×Getting on with people. Literally “hold the relationship”. Bring two people together (6 hits).
• origami tsukicertified, guaranteed good6×What people are like. Literally “with a certificate”. 'Certified, guaranteed' (6 hits).
• chi wa mizu yori mo koifamily ties are the strongest6×Getting on with people. Literally “blood is thicker than water”. Mostly translated lines (6 hits).
• jiyuu honpoufree-spirited, uninhibited6×What people are like. Literally “free and running wild”. 'Free-spirited' (6 hits).
• heion bujipeaceful and uneventful6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “calm and without incident”. Peaceful and uneventful (6).
• genki hatsuratsubursting with energy6×What people are like. Literally “energetic and lively”. 'Bursting with energy' (6 hits).
• kibun soukaifeeling great and refreshed6×Feelings & temper. Literally “feeling refreshing”. Feeling refreshed. Only about 6 hits.
• meshi no taneone's livelihood6×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the seed of one's rice”. 'Your livelihood'. Only 6 hits.
• kokoro ni ana ga akufeel empty after a loss6×Feelings & temper. Literally “a hole opens in the heart”. Feeling empty after a loss. About 6 hits.
• jou ni atsuiwarm-hearted, loyal6×What people are like. Literally “thick in feeling”. 'Warm-hearted, loyal' (5 hits).
• asemizu tarashite hatarakuwork hard for one's living6×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “work dripping sweat”. 'Work by the sweat of your brow'. Only 6 hits.
• atama o nayamaserurack one's brains, be troubled by6×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “trouble the head”. 'Rack your brains, be troubled by'. Only 6 hits.
• kikisute naranaiI can't let that remark pass6×Talking & listening. Literally “can't hear it and throw it away”. 'I can't let that remark pass'; 8 hits.
• yoridori midoritake your pick, plenty of choice6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “pick and look as you like”. Take your pick, plenty to choose from (6).
• ippo temaeon the verge of, one step away from6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one step before”. On the verge of (6); fairly literal.
• kuchi o soroete iuall say the same thing5×Talking & listening. Literally “say with mouths lined up”. 'Everyone says the same thing'; 5 hits.
• hi ni abura o sosogumake a bad situation worse5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “pour oil on the fire”. Make a bad situation worse (5); just below the line.
• ki o torinaosupull yourself together, go again5×Feelings & temper. Literally “pick the mind back up”. Pulling yourself together. Only about 5 hits.
• hitohada nugupitch in to help someone5×Getting on with people. Literally “bare one layer of skin”. Pitch in (5 hits); te o kasu is the everyday one.
• ki ga tooku narube mind-boggling (amount, effort)5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the mind goes far away”. 'Mind-boggling'. Only 4 to 5 hits.
• rachi ga akanaithis is going nowhere5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the fence won't open”. 'This is going nowhere'. Only 5 to 11 hits, mostly in dramatic scenes.
• mushi no idokoro ga waruibe in a bad mood, grumpy today5×Feelings & temper. Literally “the bug is in a bad spot”. A classic idiom, but rare in actual talk (5 hits). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• shiroi me de mirulook at someone with disapproval5×Getting on with people. Literally “look with white eyes”. Look at with disapproval (4 hits).
• ki o mawasuoverthink, be overly considerate5×Noticing & the mind. Literally “turn your mind around”. 'Overthink, be overly considerate'; 5 hits.
• osaki makkurathe future looks hopeless5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the road ahead is pitch dark”. The future looks hopeless (5).
• nen ni wa nen o irerube extra careful, check again to be safe5×Noticing & the mind. Literally “add care on top of care”. 'Check twice to be safe'; 5 hits.
• yama ari tani arigood times and bad5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “there are mountains and there are valleys”. Good times and bad (5); more wedding-speech than chat.
• ten ni mo noboru kimochioverjoyed5×Feelings & temper. Literally “a feeling like rising to heaven”. Overjoyed. Rare (4 hits) and a bit flowery.
• ashi ga sukumufreeze up with fear5×Feelings & temper. Literally “legs cower”. Frozen with fear. Rare (4 hits).
• mushi ga sukanaidislike someone for no clear reason5×Getting on with people. Literally “the bug inside doesn't like them”. Dislike someone for no clear reason (2 hits).
• hara o kakaete waraulaugh really hard5×Feelings & temper. Literally “laugh holding your belly”. Laughing hard. More of a written phrase (5 hits).
• issun saki wa yamino one knows what will happen next5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one inch ahead is darkness”. No one knows what will happen next (5).
• kiite akireruridiculous; don't make me laugh5×Talking & listening. Literally “hearing it, one is appalled”. 'Don't make me laugh'; 5 hits.
• ototoi kiyagareget lost and don't come back5×Talking & listening. Literally “come the day before yesterday”. A dated, rough 'get lost'; 4 hits.
• kane ni itome o tsukenaito spend whatever it takes5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “put no kite strings on money”. Spend whatever it takes (5).
• soushi souaiin love with each other5×Getting on with people. Literally “mutual longing, mutual love”. In love with each other (5 hits).
• katabou o katsugube an accomplice, have a hand in something shady5×Getting on with people. Literally “shoulder one end of the pole”. Be an accomplice (5 hits).
• haburi ga iibe flush, doing well financially5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the wing-flapping is good”. Doing well financially (5).
• dashi ni tsukauuse someone as a pretext or excuse5×Getting on with people. Literally “use as soup stock”. Use someone as a pretext (5 hits).
• keta ga chigaube in a different league, on a different scale5×What people are like. Literally “the number of digits differs”. 'In a different league' (5 hits).
• choushi ga kuruube thrown off one's stride5×Feelings & temper. Literally “the rhythm goes off”. Being thrown off your game. About 5 hits.
• ato ni mo saki ni mothe only time ever, never before or since5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “neither after nor before”. The only time ever (5).
• nite mo nitsukanainothing like, completely different5×Noticing & the mind. Literally “resembling but not matching”. 'Nothing like it'; 2 hits.
• dou koronde mowhichever way it goes5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “however it rolls”. Whichever way it goes (5).
• ate ga hazureruthings don't go as expected, be disappointed5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the aim misses”. Things don't go as hoped (5).
• mi o ko ni shite hatarakuwork yourself to the bone5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “work turning your body into powder”. 'Work yourself to the bone'. Only 5 hits.
• senri no michi mo ippo karabig goals start with small steps5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “even a thousand-ri road starts from one step”. 'A long journey starts with one step'. Only 5 hits.
• ichiji ikkuword for word, every single word5×Talking & listening. Literally “one character, one phrase”. Word for word; 5 hits.
• unmei kyoudoutaipeople who sink or swim together5×Getting on with people. Literally “a community of fate”. Sink or swim together (5 hits, judged 2).
• isshi mukuirumanage to strike back at least once5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “return one arrow”. Strike back once (5); the usual form is isshi o mukuiru.
• niban senjia rehash, an unoriginal copy5×What people are like. Literally “second brewing (of tea leaves)”. 'A rehash' (5 hits).
• furagu ga tatsusomething gets set up to happen (often ironic foreshadowing)5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a flag goes up”. A jinx gets set up (3); young people's slang.
• yaomote ni tatsubear the brunt of criticism5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “stand where the arrows hit”. Bear the brunt of criticism (5).
• isshi o mukuirustrike back, get one back5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “shoot one arrow back”. Get one back (5).
• me o tsumustop something before it grows5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “pick off the buds”. Nip it in the bud (5).
• uwamae o hanerutake a cut of someone else's money5×Getting on with people. Literally “flick off the top portion”. Skim off the top (5 hits).
• gun o nukustand out far above the rest5×What people are like. Literally “pull out of the flock”. 'Stand far above the rest' (5 hits).
• gyoukan o yomugrasp the unstated meaning5×Noticing & the mind. Literally “read the spaces between lines”. 'Read between the lines'; 5 hits.
• tamatta mon ja naithat's unbearable, I can't put up with that5×Feelings & temper. Literally “it's not a thing one can stand”. 'I can't put up with that'. Only 5 hits.
• temochi busataat a loose end, not knowing what to do with oneself5×Feelings & temper. Literally “hands holding nothing to do”. At a loose end. Only 5 hits.
• nikumareguchi o tatakusay spiteful or cheeky things5×Talking & listening. Literally “hit with hateful mouth”. Saying spiteful, cheeky things; 5 hits.
• monowakari ga iiunderstanding, reasonable5×Noticing & the mind. Literally “good at understanding things”. 'Understanding, reasonable'; 3 hits.
• oyaku gomenno longer needed, released from a role5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “relieved of one's duty”. Released from a role, no longer needed (5).
• unmei no itazuraa twist of fate5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “fate's prank”. A twist of fate (5).
• soroi mo sorotteevery last one of them (exasperated)5×What people are like. Literally “all lined up together”. 'Every last one of them' (5 hits).
• meido no miyagesomething to take to the grave (a last joy, or a secret told before killing)5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a souvenir for the underworld”. Something to take to the grave (5).
• kouzen no himitsusomething everyone knows but nobody says5×Talking & listening. Literally “a public secret”. An open secret; 5 hits.
• hana o soeruadd a touch of glamour, grace an occasion5×Getting on with people. Literally “add flowers”. Add a touch of glamour (5 hits).
• shinkei o sakanade suruget on someone's nerves, provoke5×Feelings & temper. Literally “stroke the nerves the wrong way”. Rubbing someone the wrong way. About 5 hits.
• jigen ga chigauin a different league5×What people are like. Literally “a different dimension”. 'In a different league' (5 hits).
• nougaki o tareruspout off, lecture with self-important talk5×Talking & listening. Literally “drip out the product's claimed virtues”. Spouting self-important talk; 6 hits.
• fune o kogunod off (sitting up, in class or a meeting)5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “row a boat”. 'Nod off sitting up'. Only 5 hits.
• hadome o kakeruput a stop to (a trend, a habit)5×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “put a wheel-stop on”. Put the brakes on (5).
• mushi ga iitoo convenient, selfish to ask4×What people are like. Literally “the bug (inside) is good”. 'Selfish to ask' (about 1 to 4 hits).
• te ga hayaiquick to hit; fast with women4×What people are like. Literally “one's hands are quick”. 'Quick to hit; fast with women' (4 hits).
• mi ga hairanaican't put one's heart into it, can't focus4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the self doesn't go in”. 'Can't put my heart into it'; 0 hits in the corpus.
• ni no ashi o fumuhesitate, have second thoughts4×Feelings & temper. Literally “step the second step in place”. Hesitating. Rare in speech (2 hits).
• ato ga naino second chance, last chance4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “there's nothing behind”. No second chance (mou ato ga nai); fairly literal and less common (4).
• kenen no nakacan't stand each other4×Getting on with people. Literally “dog-and-monkey relations”. Can't stand each other (4 hits).
• utsuwa ga chiisaipetty, small-minded4×What people are like. Literally “a small vessel”. 'Petty, small-minded' (about 4 hits).
• dada o koneruthrow a tantrum, whine to get your way4×What people are like. Literally “knead a tantrum”. 'Throw a tantrum' (4 hits); mostly about children.
• oobune ni notta tsumori derelax and leave it to me4×Getting on with people. Literally “as if you'd boarded a big ship”. Relax, leave it to me (2 hits); a bit of a set piece.
• kaku ga chigauin a completely higher class4×What people are like. Literally “the rank is different”. 'In a different class' (4 hits).
• ato ni hikenaican't back down now4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “can't pull back”. Can't back down now (3); hikkomi ga tsukanai is the commoner one.
• ookina kao o suruact like you own the place4×What people are like. Literally “make a big face”. 'Act like you own the place' (about 3 hits as a phrase).
• omoi koshi o agerufinally get around to it4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “lift your heavy hips”. 'Finally get around to it'. Only 3 to 4 hits.
• shiranu ga hotokeyou're better off not knowing4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “not knowing is Buddha”. 'Ignorance is bliss'; 4 hits.
• ue ni wa ue ga iruthere's always someone better4×What people are like. Literally “above the top there's another top”. 'There's always someone better' (4 hits).
• katte ga chigauthings work differently here, out of your element4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the way of things is different”. 'Things work differently here'. Only 4 hits.
• atoaji ga waruileaves you feeling uneasy afterwards4×Feelings & temper. Literally “the aftertaste is bad”. Leaves a bad aftertaste. Rare (3 hits).
• narau yori nareroyou learn by doing it4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “get used to it rather than study it”. A saying ('learn by doing') with only 4 hits.
• otoko ni nigon wa naiI meant what I said and won't take it back4×Talking & listening. Literally “a man has no second word”. A masculine vow; 2 hits.
• hi no nai tokoro ni kemuri wa tatanairumours usually have something behind them4×Talking & listening. Literally “smoke doesn't rise where there's no fire”. 'No smoke without fire'; 4 hits.
• sakidatsu mono ga naidon't have the money for it4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the thing that has to come first is missing”. Don't have the money for it (4).
• nani kuwanu kaoacting as if nothing happened4×What people are like. Literally “the face of someone who ate nothing”. 'Acting as if nothing happened' (2 to 4 hits).
• norikakatta funewe've started, so we'll see it through4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a boat one has started to board”. 'We've started, so we'll see it through'. Only 3 to 4 hits.
• nai mono nedariwanting what you can't have4×Feelings & temper. Literally “begging for what isn't there”. Wanting what you can't have. Only about 4 hits.
• migi ni deru mono wa inaino one is better at it4×What people are like. Literally “no one steps out to the right”. 'Second to none' (4 hits).
• hanamochi naranaiinsufferable, stuck-up4×What people are like. Literally “can't hold one's nose against it”. 'Insufferable' (4 hits); a bit old-fashioned.
• issei ichidaithe biggest moment of one's life4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one lifetime, one generation”. The biggest moment of one's life (4).
• koushi kondoumixing work and personal matters4×Getting on with people. Literally “mixing public and private”. Mixing work and private life (4 hits).
• nisoku sanmondirt cheap, worth next to nothing4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “two bundles for three coins”. Dirt cheap (4).
• ura o kaesebaput the other way round, in other words4×Talking & listening. Literally “if you turn it over”. 'Put the other way round'; 4 hits.
• tenbin ni kakeruweigh two options (or two people) against each other4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “put on the scales”. 'Weigh two options'; 3 hits.
• shibai o utsuput on an act to fool someone (hitoshibai utsu)4×Getting on with people. Literally “stage a play”. Put on an act to fool someone (4 hits).
• sakidatsu monomoney (the thing you need before anything else)4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the thing that goes first”. Money, the thing you need first (4).
• wari o kuuget the short end of the stick4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “eat the share”. Get the short end (4); binbou kuji o hiku is commoner.
• ichi kara juu madeevery single thing, all of it4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “from one to ten”. 'Every single thing'. Only 4 hits.
• kazeatari ga tsuyoiface a lot of criticism or hostility4×Getting on with people. Literally “the wind hitting you is strong”. Face a lot of criticism (4 hits).
• ne o tsumeruwork too intensely, overdo it4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “pack in the root”. 'Overdo it, work too intensely'. Only 4 hits.
• toritsuku shima mo naicurt, unapproachable, gives you nothing to work with4×Getting on with people. Literally “not even an island to cling to”. Curt, unapproachable (4 hits).
• daiji o toruplay it safe (rest, or stay home just in case)4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “take the important thing”. 'Play it safe and rest'. Only 4 hits.
• gaado ga kataihard to get close to, guarded4×What people are like. Literally “the guard is firm”. 'Guarded, hard to get close to' (4 hits).
• nenki ga hairube well-worn, seasoned, show long experience4×What people are like. Literally “years of service go in”. 'Well-worn, seasoned' (4 hits).
• akuun ga tsuyoihave the devil's own luck, keep getting away with it4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “bad luck is strong”. Keep getting away with it (4).
• e ni kaita you natextbook, picture-perfect (often ironic)4×What people are like. Literally “as if drawn in a picture”. 'Textbook, picture-perfect' (4 hits).
• takara no mochigusarea waste of a good thing (talent, a gadget) left unused4×What people are like. Literally “a treasure left to rot”. 'A talent left unused' (4 hits).
• netsu o agerube crazy about (a person, an idol, a hobby)4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “raise one's fever”. 'Be crazy about someone'; 4 hits.
• netsu ga samerulose interest, cool off (after a craze)4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the fever cools”. 'Cool off after a craze'; 4 hits.
• doro o kaburutake the blame for others4×Getting on with people. Literally “get covered in mud”. Take the fall for others (4 hits).
• koshi ga omoislow to get going, hard to get moving4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the hips are heavy”. 'Slow to get going'. Only 4 hits.
• me ga koeruhave a discerning eye (from seeing the best)4×What people are like. Literally “the eyes get fat”. 'Have a discerning eye' (1 to 4 hits).
• jippa hitokaragelumping everyone or everything together4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “ten bundles tied in one”. 'Lumping everyone together'; 4 hits.
• rooma wa ichinichi ni shite narazugreat things take time4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “Rome was not made in one day”. 'Rome wasn't built in a day'. Only 4 hits.
• mushi no ikibarely breathing, at death's door4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “an insect's breath”. Barely breathing (4).
• tenshin ranmaninnocent and free-spirited4×What people are like. Literally “heaven-true and bright”. 'Innocent and carefree' (4 hits).
• hitoaji chigaua cut above, something special4×What people are like. Literally “different by one flavour”. 'Something special' (4 hits).
• mekki ga hageruthe façade comes off, true colours show4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the plating peels off”. True colours show (4); boro ga deru is commoner.
• yaridama ni agerusingle someone out for criticism4×Getting on with people. Literally “hoist on the spear”. Single out for criticism (4 hits).
• shirohata o agerugive up, admit defeat4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “raise the white flag”. Give up, admit defeat (4).
• atogama ni suwarutake over someone's position4×Getting on with people. Literally “sit in the next pot”. Take over someone's position (4 hits).
• kusai meshi o kuudo time in prison4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “eat smelly rice”. Do time in prison (4); rough and old-fashioned.
• souba ga kimatteruthat's how it always goes4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the market rate is fixed”. 'That's how it always goes'; 4 hits.
• choujiri o awaserumake things add up in the end4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “balance the end of the ledger”. 'Make it add up in the end'. Only 4 hits.
• gote ni mawarufall behind, only react4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “end up moving second (in go/shogi)”. Fall behind, only react (4).
• geki o tobasurally people, urge them on loudly4×Talking & listening. Literally “send out a manifesto”. Rallying people loudly; 1 hit.
• itareri tsukuserithoughtful in every way, couldn't be better looked after4×Getting on with people. Literally “reaching and exhausting everything”. Waited on hand and foot (4 hits).
• oshidori fuufua devoted, loving couple4×Getting on with people. Literally “mandarin-duck couple”. A devoted couple (4 hits).
• sai wa nageraretathere's no turning back now4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the dice have been thrown”. There's no turning back now (4).
• koi no yamailovesickness4×Feelings & temper. Literally “the illness of love”. Lovesickness. Only 4 hits.
• shoukori mo nakuyet again, never learning4×What people are like. Literally “without even learning one's lesson”. 'Yet again, never learning' (4 hits).
• wakime mo furazusingle-mindedly4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “without even glancing aside”. 'Single-mindedly'. Only 4 hits.
• shoaku no kongenthe cause of all the trouble4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the root of all evils”. The root of all the trouble (4).
• anmoku no ryoukaian unspoken rule4×Getting on with people. Literally “a silent understanding”. An unspoken rule (4 hits).
• kuchi ni chakkukeep your mouth shut4×Talking & listening. Literally “a zip on the mouth”. A kiddish 'zip your lip'; 4 hits.
• iji demoout of sheer stubbornness, no matter what4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “even out of stubborn pride”. 'Out of sheer stubbornness'. Only 4 hits.
• banbanzaicouldn't be better, everyone wins4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “ten thousand times ten thousand years”. Couldn't be better (4).
• higaishazura suruplay the victim4×Getting on with people. Literally “put on a victim's face”. Play the victim (4 hits).
• uso itsuwari naithe honest truth, no word of a lie4×Talking & listening. Literally “no lie, no falsehood”. 'No word of a lie'; 4 hits.
• iya ga ou demolike it or not, inevitably4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “whether no or yes”. Like it or not (4).
• pin kara kiri madefrom the very best to the very worst, it varies hugely4×What people are like. Literally “from pin (one) to kiri (ten)”. 'From the best to the worst' (4 hits).
• hyakunin riki(your help makes me feel) hugely stronger4×Getting on with people. Literally “the strength of a hundred people”. Your help makes me strong (4 hits).
• hokosaki o mukeruturn one's criticism or anger on someone4×Getting on with people. Literally “point one's spearhead (at)”. Turn your criticism on someone (4 hits).
• atamagonashi ni okoruscold without hearing someone out4×Getting on with people. Literally “scold over someone's head”. Scold without listening (4 hits).
• ashinami o soroeruact together, get in step4×Getting on with people. Literally “line up footsteps”. Act in step (4 hits).
• waki ga amaicareless, leaves oneself open4×What people are like. Literally “one's armpits are loose (sumo)”. 'Careless, leaves yourself open' (4 hits).
• mi ni narube worthwhile; actually sink in or do you good4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “become (part of) one's body”. 'Actually sink in, do you good'; only a couple of clear hits.
• hanashi ga dekisugiterutoo convenient to be true4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the story is too well made”. 'Too good to be true'; 1 hit.
• nan no kotchawhat on earth (does that mean)?4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “what thing is it”. 'What on earth does that mean?'; 4 hits.
• kuchi ga sakete mo ienaiwould never say it3×Talking & listening. Literally “can't say it even if my mouth tears”. Emphatic 'I'd never say it'; 3 hits.
• nodo kara te ga deru hodo hoshiiwant something desperately3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “want it so much a hand comes out of my throat”. Vivid 'want it desperately', but only 3 hits.
• kuchiura o awaseruagree on a story beforehand3×Talking & listening. Literally “match the backs of our mouths”. Agreeing on a cover story; 3 hits.
• aita kuchi ga fusagaranaidumbfounded by something absurd3×Feelings & temper. Literally “my open mouth won't close”. Dumbfounded at something absurd. Rare.
• te no hira o kaesudo a sudden about-face3×Getting on with people. Literally “flip one's palm”. Sudden about-face (3 hits); people mostly use the noun te no hira gaeshi. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• te tori ashi toriteach step by step3×Getting on with people. Literally “taking hands, taking feet”. Teach step by step (3 hits).
• ude ni yori o kakeruput all one's skill into (cooking)3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “twist extra strength into one's arm”. 'Put all your skill into a meal'. Only 3 hits.
• nodo kara te ga deruwant something desperately3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “a hand comes out of one's throat”. Short form of nodo kara te ga deru hodo hoshii; 3 hits.
• ushiroyubi o sasarerube talked about, be shamed3×Getting on with people. Literally “get pointed at from behind”. Be talked about, shamed (0 hits, judged 2).
• kubi ga mawaranaibe swamped with debt3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “can't turn one's neck”. Swamped with debt (3).
• te ni toru you ni wakaruknow exactly what someone thinks or feels3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “understand as if holding it in your hand”. 'Know exactly what someone feels'; 2 hits.
• ki o motaserulead someone on3×Getting on with people. Literally “make someone hold feelings”. Lead someone on (3 hits); real in dating talk but less frequent.
• nakittsura ni hachione misfortune on top of another3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a bee stings a crying face”. One misfortune on top of another (3); fundari kettari is the commoner way to say it. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• me ga takaihave a discerning eye, good taste3×What people are like. Literally “your eye is high”. 'A good eye, good taste' (3 hits).
• hi no kurumain dire money trouble3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a cart of fire”. In dire money trouble (3).
• mizu to aburatwo people who just don't mix3×Getting on with people. Literally “water and oil”. Two people who don't mix (3 hits, judged 2).
• on o urudo a favour so they owe you3×Getting on with people. Literally “sell a favour”. Do a favour so they owe you (3 hits).
• kotoba ni tsumarube lost for words3×Talking & listening. Literally “get stuck on words”. At a loss for words; 3 hits.
• me no dokua temptation you shouldn't look at3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “poison for the eyes”. 'A temptation you shouldn't look at'; 3 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• yabu kara bouso abruptly, with no lead-in3×Talking & listening. Literally “a stick out of the bushes”. 'Out of nowhere', said of a sudden question; 3 hits.
• toranu tanuki no kawazan'youspending gains you don't have yet3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “counting the pelts of badgers not yet caught”. Spending gains you don't have yet (0).
• mukashi totta kinezukaan old skill that comes right back3×What people are like. Literally “the mallet I held long ago”. 'An old skill that comes right back' (3 hits); old-fashioned.
• tetsu wa atsui uchi ni uteact while the chance is there (or teach while people are young)3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “strike the iron while it is hot”. 'Strike while the iron is hot'. Only 3 hits.
• ron yori shoukoshowing beats arguing3×Talking & listening. Literally “proof rather than argument”. 'Proof beats argument'; 3 hits.
• kabe ni mimi arisomeone may be listening3×Talking & listening. Literally “walls have ears”. 'Walls have ears'; 3 hits.
• nagai mono ni wa makarerodon't fight those in power; go along with them3×Getting on with people. Literally “let yourself be wrapped by long things”. Go along with the powerful (3 hits, judged 2).
• ichinan satte mata ichinanone problem after another3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one trouble leaves, another trouble comes”. One problem after another (3); fundari kettari is the commoner way.
• jigoku ni hotokehelp that comes in a desperate moment3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a Buddha in hell”. Help in a desperate moment (3).
• tonde hi ni iru natsu no mushisomeone walking straight into a trap or danger3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a summer bug flying into the fire”. Walking straight into danger (3).
• idobata kaigia neighbourhood gossip session3×Talking & listening. Literally “a meeting by the well”. A neighbourhood gossip session; 3 hits.
• nitari yottarimuch the same, with no real difference3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “resembling and drawing close”. 'Much the same'; 2 hits.
• te ni shoku o tsukeruto learn a practical trade or skill3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “attach a trade to your hands”. 'Learn a trade'. Only 3 hits.
• toshi no kouthe wisdom that comes with age3×What people are like. Literally “the merit of years”. 'The wisdom of age' (3 hits).
• hanmen kyoushian example of what not to do3×What people are like. Literally “a reverse-side teacher”. 'An example of what not to do' (3 hits).
• gekirin ni fureruto infuriate someone above you3×Getting on with people. Literally “touch the (dragon's) reversed scale”. Infuriate someone above you (3 hits, judged 2).
• okyuu o sueruto teach someone a lesson; give a telling-off3×Getting on with people. Literally “apply moxa”. Teach someone a lesson (3 hits, judged 2); a bit old-fashioned.
• uou saourunning around in confusion3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “going right, going left”. 'Running around in confusion'. Only 3 hits.
• haran banjoueventful, full of ups and downs3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “waves and turmoil ten thousand feet high”. Eventful, full of ups and downs (3).
• itten baristicking to one line, repeating the same answer3×Talking & listening. Literally “betting everything on one spot”. Sticking to the same answer; 3 hits.
• haku ga tsukugain prestige, look good on your record3×Getting on with people. Literally “gold leaf gets applied”. Gain prestige (3 hits).
• migi mo hidari mo wakaranaibe completely new to something3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “can't tell right from left”. 'Totally new to it'; 3 hits.
• oseji ni mo(can't) by any stretch (say it's good)3×Talking & listening. Literally “even as flattery”. 'By no stretch (could I call it good)'; 3 hits.
• engi o katsugube superstitious, do things for luck (gen o katsugu)3×What people are like. Literally “shoulder the omen”. 'Be superstitious' (3 hits).
• ben ga tatsube a good talker, articulate3×Talking & listening. Literally “speech stands up”. Being a good talker; 1 hit.
• atari sawari no naisafe, inoffensive, noncommittal3×Talking & listening. Literally “without hitting or touching”. Safe and noncommittal; 4 hits.
• heru mon ja naiit won't hurt (so just do it, or let me)3×Getting on with people. Literally “it's not something that gets used up”. It won't hurt (3 hits); casual but less frequent.
• aizuchi o utsunod along, make listening noises3×Talking & listening. Literally “strike the alternating hammer”. Making listening noises; 4 hits, and people mostly use the word aizuchi alone.
• futokoro ga sabishiibe short of cash3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the breast pocket is lonely”. Short of cash (3).
• mushi mo korosanaigentle-looking (often: mushi mo korosanai you na kao shite..., implying the opposite)3×What people are like. Literally “won't even kill a bug”. 'Gentle-looking' (3 hits); usually in a longer sentence pattern.
• shiwayose ga kuruthe burden ends up falling on (someone)3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “wrinkles get pushed over”. 'The burden ends up landing on someone'. Only 3 hits.
• muri nandaian unreasonable demand3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “an impossible, hard problem”. 'An unreasonable demand'. Only 3 hits.
• sou wa tonya ga orosanaiit won't be that easy3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the wholesaler won't sell at that price”. It won't be that easy (3).
• nanigoto mo keikenit's all good experience; worth trying once3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “everything (is) experience”. 'It's all good experience'. People say it, but it has only 2 to 3 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hana o motaserulet someone have the credit or the win3×Getting on with people. Literally “let (someone) hold the flowers”. Let someone have the credit (3 hits).
• yaki ga mawarulose one's edge, especially with age3×What people are like. Literally “the temper (of a blade) goes round”. 'Lose your edge with age' (3 hits).
• hachi no su o tsutsuita youin an uproar3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “like poking a beehive”. In an uproar (3).
• kishi kaiseia dramatic comeback3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “wake the dead, return to life”. A dramatic comeback (3).
• yuushuu no bi o kazarufinish on a high note3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “adorn with the beauty of a good ending”. Finish on a high note (3); speeches.
• jidai sakugobehind the times, anachronistic3×What people are like. Literally “era mistake”. 'Behind the times' (3 hits).
• otoko o agerugo up in people's estimation (of a man)3×Getting on with people. Literally “raise one's manhood”. A man goes up in people's estimation (3 hits).
• itchou ittaneach has its pros and cons3×What people are like. Literally “one long, one short”. 'Each has pros and cons' (3 hits); a bit formal.
• zenryoku toukyuuputting everything into it3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “pitching with full strength”. 'Give it your all'. Only 3 hits, and isshou kenmei covers the idea.
• hibana o chirasuclash fiercely, a heated rivalry3×Getting on with people. Literally “scatter sparks”. Fierce rivalry (3 hits).
• ten to chi hodo no saa world of difference3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “a gap like heaven and earth”. 'A world of difference'; 1 hit.
• akete mo kurete moday in, day out3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “whether day breaks or night falls”. 'Day in, day out'. Only 3 hits.
• happa o kakerufire someone up, push them hard3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “set a blasting charge”. 'Light a fire under someone'. Only 3 hits.
• shinogi o kezurucompete fiercely3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “shave each other's sword ridges”. 'Compete fiercely'. Only 3 hits.
• ooburoshiki o hirogerutalk big, make grandiose claims3×Talking & listening. Literally “spread out a big wrapping cloth”. Talking big; 3 hits, and ooguchi o tataku (maybe) is the commoner way.
• juubako no sumi o tsutsukunitpick3×What people are like. Literally “poke the corners of a lacquered food box”. 'Nitpick' (3 hits).
• omegane ni kanaumeet someone's standards, win their approval3×Getting on with people. Literally “suit someone's spectacles”. Win someone's approval (3 hits).
• ondo o torutake the lead (and lead the toast)3×Getting on with people. Literally “lead the singing”. Take the lead (3 hits).
• nurumayu ni tsukarube complacent, stay in one's comfort zone3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “soak in lukewarm water”. 'Stay in your comfort zone'. Only 3 hits.
• nieyu o nomasarerube betrayed, or beaten bitterly, by someone3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “be made to drink boiling water”. Be betrayed or beaten bitterly (3).
• kuu ka kuwareru kaa fight for survival3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “eat or be eaten”. Eat or be eaten (3).
• tensuu o kaseguscore points with someone, curry favour3×Getting on with people. Literally “earn points”. Score points with someone (3 hits).
• bakazu o fumugain experience through practice3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “tread many venues”. 'Gain experience through practice'. Only 3 hits.
• heta o utsublunder3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “make a clumsy move”. Blunder (3).
• doku o kurawaba sara madeonce committed, go all the way3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “if you eat the poison, eat the plate too”. Once in, go all the way (3).
• kabuto o nuguconcede defeat, admit someone is better3×Getting on with people. Literally “take off one's helmet”. Concede defeat (3 hits, judged 2).
• arigata meiwakua well-meant but unwelcome favour3×Getting on with people. Literally “thankful nuisance”. A well-meant but unwelcome favour (3 hits).
• tonton byoushigo smoothly, one step after another3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “tap-tap rhythm”. Go smoothly, step after step (3).
• kougeki wa saidai no bougyothe best way to protect yourself is to go on the offensive3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “attack is the greatest defence”. The best defence is to attack (3).
• ashita yarou wa bakayaroudon't put things off3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “'I'll do it tomorrow' is an idiot”. 'Don't put it off'. A joke rhyme with 3 hits.
• me ni kurui wa naimy judgement is right3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “no error in the eye”. 'My judgement is right'; 3 hits.
• miru kage mo naia shadow of its former self3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “not even a shadow to see”. A shadow of its former self (3).
• mono no kazu de wa nainothing, not worth worrying about3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “not among the things counted”. 'Nothing worth worrying about'. Only 3 hits.
• hana ga aruhas star quality, charisma3×What people are like. Literally “has a flower”. 'Has star quality' (3 hits).
• dou ni irube a natural, look like a pro3×What people are like. Literally “enter the hall”. 'Look like a pro' (3 hits).
• shizen shoumetsufizzle out (above all a relationship)3×Getting on with people. Literally “natural disappearance”. Fizzle out (3 hits).
• sontoku kanjoucalculating what's in it for oneself3×Getting on with people. Literally “loss-and-gain accounting”. Calculating what's in it for you (3 hits, judged 2).
• ame to muchireward and punishment3×Getting on with people. Literally “candy and whip”. Carrot and stick (3 hits).
• koko ichibanthe crucial moment, when it really counts3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “this one (decisive moment)”. 'When it really counts'. Only 3 hits.
• kokoro ga hanarerufall out of love, drift apart3×Getting on with people. Literally “hearts move apart”. Drift apart (3 hits).
• mimi ga hayaialways first to hear news2×What people are like. Literally “ears are quick”. 'Always first to hear the news' (2 hits).
• kuchi ga omoireticent, reluctant to talk2×What people are like. Literally “mouth is heavy”. 'Reticent, slow to talk' (2 hits).
• te ni tsukanaican't focus on (work)2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “it doesn't stick to one's hands”. 'Too worried to focus on work'; 2 hits.
• ude ga narube itching to show one's skill2×Feelings & temper. Literally “one's arm hums”. Itching to show your skill. Rare (2 hits).
• karada ga akubecome free, have time2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the body becomes empty”. Only 2 hits. People usually say te ga aku or jikan ga aku.
• ashi ga bou ni narulegs ache from walking all day2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “legs turn into sticks”. 'Legs ache from walking all day'. Only 2 hits.
• kubi o tate ni furuagree, say yes (often: won't agree)2×Getting on with people. Literally “shake one's head up and down”. Agree, nod yes, usually in the negative (2 hits).
• itaku mo kayuku mo naidoesn't bother me at all2×Feelings & temper. Literally “neither hurts nor itches”. 'Doesn't bother me one bit'. Rare (2 hits).
• ne mo ha mo naigroundless, made up (of rumours)2×Talking & listening. Literally “no roots and no leaves”. Fixed 'baseless rumour' phrase; 2 hits.
• honmatsu tentougetting your priorities backwards2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “root and tip upside down”. Getting your priorities backwards (2); more opinion-piece than chat.
• sotozura ga iinice to outsiders, not at home2×What people are like. Literally “the outer face is good”. 'Nice to outsiders, not at home' (2 hits).
• yakeishi ni mizufar too little to make a difference2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “water on a red-hot stone”. A known saying ('a drop in the ocean'), but only 2 hits.
• yudan mo suki mo naiyou can't take your eyes off them for a second2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “no carelessness, no gap”. 'Can't take your eyes off them for a second'; 1 hit.
• futatsu henjiagree instantly, without hesitating2×Getting on with people. Literally “a double reply (hai, hai)”. Agree on the spot (2 hits, judged 2).
• koshi ga hikeruhold back out of fear, lose your nerve2×Feelings & temper. Literally “your hips draw back”. Losing your nerve. Rare (2 hits).
• mono wa iiyouit's all in how you put it2×Talking & listening. Literally “things depend on how you say them”. Wry 'it's all in how you put it'; 1 hit.
• en no shita no chikaramochisomeone who does vital work behind the scenes2×Getting on with people. Literally “strongman under the veranda”. Unsung hero (2 hits).
• shoujikimono ga baka o miruplaying fair doesn't pay2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the honest one ends up looking the fool”. Playing fair doesn't pay (0); the full saying behind baka o miru.
• watari ni funea lucky offer that comes just when it is needed2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a boat at the crossing”. A lucky offer just when needed (2); negatte mo nai is commoner.
• naku ko mo damarufeared by everyone; formidable2×What people are like. Literally “even a crying child goes quiet”. 'Feared by everyone' (2 hits); mostly used about a feared name.
• nigeru ga kachibacking out is the smart move2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “running away is winning”. Backing out is the smart move (2).
• sumeba miyakoyou come to love wherever you live2×Feelings & temper. Literally “live there and it becomes the capital”. A known saying ('you grow to love where you live'), but only 2 hits.
• nito o ou mono wa itto o mo ezutry to do two things at once and you fail at both2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “who chases two rabbits gets not even one”. A long saying ('chase two hares, catch neither') with 2 hits.
• makeru ga kachigiving way now is the wiser victory2×Getting on with people. Literally “losing is winning”. Giving way is winning (2 hits, judged 2).
• korobanu saki no tsuetake precautions in advance2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a cane before you fall”. Take precautions in advance (2); sonae areba urei nashi is commoner.
• hayaoki wa sanmon no tokugetting up early pays off2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “early rising is worth three coins”. Getting up early pays off (2); known but rarely needed.
• okyakusama wa kamisamathe customer comes first2×Getting on with people. Literally “the customer is a god”. A quoted slogan (2 hits) about service culture more than a thing people say.
• ja no michi wa hebiinsiders know the tricks of their own kind2×What people are like. Literally “snakes know the snake's path”. 'It takes one to know one' (2 hits).
• nasake wa hito no tame narazukindness to others comes back to you2×Getting on with people. Literally “kindness is not for others' sake”. Kindness comes back to you (2 hits, judged 2).
• nengu no osamedokitime to give up and face it (get caught, or finally settle down and marry)2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “time to pay the land tax”. Time to give up and face it (2).
• akai itothe red thread of fate linking destined partners2×Getting on with people. Literally “red thread”. The red thread of fate (2 hits); romantic and less frequent.
• me ni amarutoo bad to overlook; intolerable2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “too much for the eyes”. 'Too bad to overlook'; 2 hits.
• chi no ke ga ooihot-blooded, quick to fight2×What people are like. Literally “lots of blood spirit”. 'Hot-blooded' (2 hits).
• shiku hakkustruggling hard, going through agonies2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “four sufferings, eight sufferings”. 'Going through agonies'. Only 2 hits.
• uyo kyokusetsutwists and turns, a winding road2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “meandering and bending”. Twists and turns (2).
• urikotoba ni kaikotobaone harsh word leads to another2×Talking & listening. Literally “words sold, words bought”. One harsh word leading to another; 2 hits.
• o o hikulinger on, have lasting effects2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “drag a tail”. Linger, have lasting effects (2).
• kumo no ue no sonzaisomeone far above you, out of reach2×Getting on with people. Literally “a being above the clouds”. Out of your league (2 hits); takane no hana is the commoner one to ask for.
• tachiba ga naibe left looking bad, lose face2×Getting on with people. Literally “no place to stand”. Be left looking bad (2 hits).
• medo ga tatsuhave a prospect of finishing, be able to see the end2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the aim stands up”. 'Be able to see the end of it'. Only 2 hits.
• nete mo samete moconstantly, can't stop thinking about it2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “whether asleep or awake”. 'Day and night'; 2 hits.
• katsu o irerufire someone up, give someone a shake2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “put life in”. 'Give someone a shake to fire them up'. Only 2 hits.
• shimatsu ga waruihard to deal with, a nuisance (shimatsu ni oenai)2×What people are like. Literally “the dealing-with is bad”. 'Hard to deal with' (2 hits).
• shin ga tsuyoistrong-willed, quietly tough2×What people are like. Literally “the core is strong”. 'Quietly tough' (2 hits).
• on o kiserumake someone feel they owe you2×Getting on with people. Literally “make them wear the favour”. Make someone feel they owe you (2 hits); on kise gamashii is the usual form.
• kitte mo kirenaiinseparable (bond, relationship)2×Getting on with people. Literally “can't cut it even if you cut”. Inseparable bond (2 hits).
• yume no mata yumean impossible dream2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a dream within a dream”. An impossible dream (2).
• ha ni kinu kisenuoutspoken, blunt2×Talking & listening. Literally “not putting clothes on the teeth”. Outspoken, blunt; 2 hits.
• me no mae ga makkura ni narube plunged into despair2×Feelings & temper. Literally “it goes pitch-dark before your eyes”. Plunged into despair. Only 2 hits.
• deru tokoro ni derutake it to court or the authorities2×Getting on with people. Literally “go out to where one goes out”. See you in court (2 hits).
• seite wa koto o shisonjiruhaste makes waste2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “if you hurry, you botch the thing”. 'Haste makes waste'. Only 2 hits.
• neta ko o okosustir up trouble that had settled down2×Talking & listening. Literally “wake a sleeping child”. Stirring up settled trouble; 2 hits.
• ikkaku senkinstriking it rich in one go2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one grab, a thousand gold”. Strike it rich in one go (2).
• jibun no shiri wa jibun de fukeclean up your own mess2×Getting on with people. Literally “wipe your own backside”. Clean up your own mess (2 hits), rough.
• baka mo yasumi yasumi iestop talking nonsense2×Talking & listening. Literally “say stupid things with rests in between”. A rough 'stop talking nonsense'; 1 hit.
• mizu mo shitataru ii otokoa gorgeous man (joke when someone gets soaked)2×What people are like. Literally “a fine man dripping even with water”. 'A gorgeous man' (2 hits); a dated joke.
• heta na kangae yasumu ni nitaristop dithering; mulling it over is getting you nowhere2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “poor thinking resembles resting”. 'Stop dithering'; 2 hits.
• hito o norowaba ana futatsurevenge harms you too2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “if you curse someone, two graves”. Revenge harms you too (2).
• isshin ittaisee-sawing, back and forth2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one advance, one retreat”. See-sawing back and forth (2); news style.
• waki aiaifriendly and harmonious atmosphere2×Getting on with people. Literally “harmonious spirit, gentle”. Friendly atmosphere (2 hits); mostly in writing and ads.
• chouda no retsua very long queue2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a line like a long snake”. 'A very long queue'. Only 2 hits.
• hari no mushiroan agonizingly uncomfortable position2×Feelings & temper. Literally “a mat of needles”. An agonizing position, like sitting on needles. Only 2 hits.
• haguruma ga kuruuthings start going wrong2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the gears go wrong”. Things start going wrong (2).
• ryoute ni hana(a man) flanked by two women2×Getting on with people. Literally “flowers in both hands”. A man flanked by two women (2 hits); jokey.
• aji na mane o surupull a clever (cheeky) move2×Getting on with people. Literally “do a tasty trick”. Pull a cheeky move (2 hits).
• tamago ga saki ka niwatori ga saki kaimpossible to tell cause from effect2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “is the egg first or the chicken first”. 'Chicken-and-egg problem'; 1 hit.
• gou o niyasurun out of patience2×Feelings & temper. Literally “boil one's karma”. Running out of patience. Only 2 hits.
• shoubai agattaribusiness is ruined2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “business is all washed up”. Business is ruined (2).
• kane ga mono o iumoney decides everything2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “money speaks”. Money decides everything (2).
• yukidaruma shikisnowballing (debt, problems)2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “snowman style”. Snowballing debt or problems (2).
• iromegane de miruview with prejudice2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “look through tinted glasses”. 'View with prejudice'; 2 hits.
• haba o kikaseruthrow one's weight around, dominate2×Getting on with people. Literally “make one's width felt”. Throw your weight around (2 hits).
• kanpatsu irezuinstantly, without a pause2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “not letting a hair in between”. 'Instantly'; 2 hits.
• oomie o kirudeclare something boldly, boast2×Talking & listening. Literally “strike a grand kabuki pose”. Declaring something boldly; 2 hits.
• sakadachi shite mono matter how hard one tries (one can't)2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “even standing on one's head”. 'Not in a million years'. Only 2 hits.
• futokoro ga fukaibroad-minded, generous2×What people are like. Literally “the breast of one's kimono is deep”. 'Broad-minded' (2 hits).
• ki no mochiyouit all depends on your attitude2×Feelings & temper. Literally “how you hold your spirit”. 'It's all in your attitude'. A nice line, but only 1 hit.
• ashi ga omoireluctant to go2×Feelings & temper. Literally “legs are heavy”. Reluctant to go. Only 2 hits.
• ude ni oboe ga arube confident in one's skill2×What people are like. Literally “the arm remembers”. 'Confident in your skill' (2 hits).
• kao o kasucome with me for a word2×Getting on with people. Literally “lend one's face”. Come with me for a word (2 hits), rough.
• mentsu ga tatanailose face2×Getting on with people. Literally “face doesn't stand”. Lose face (2 hits).
• kotoba o nigosuanswer vaguely, hedge2×Talking & listening. Literally “muddy one's words”. Answering vaguely; 2 hits.
• chi no nijimu you nagruelling (effort)2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “as if blood seeps”. 'Gruelling effort'. Only 2 hits.
• me no iro o kaeruget suddenly intense or eager2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “change the colour of one's eyes”. 'Get suddenly intense'; 2 hits.
• ware kansezuacting as if it's none of one's business2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “I'm not concerned”. 'None of my business'; 2 hits.
• hana ga magarua smell is unbearable2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the nose bends”. 'Unbearable smell'; 2 hits.
• me mo aterarenaitoo terrible to look at2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “can't even put eyes on it”. Too terrible to look at (2).
• jijitsu wa shousetsu yori ki narireal life is stranger than fiction2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “fact is stranger than a novel”. Real life is stranger than fiction (2).
• kareki mo yama no nigiwaibetter something than nothing (humble about joining in)2×Getting on with people. Literally “even dead trees add to a mountain's liveliness”. Humble 'better than nothing' (2 hits, judged 2).
• nan no hentetsu mo naiperfectly ordinary, nothing special2×What people are like. Literally “not one oddity”. 'Perfectly ordinary' (2 hits).
• toshiha mo ikanaivery young, just a child2×What people are like. Literally “not even reached an age”. 'Just a child' (2 hits).
• shiranu zonzenuflat denial, playing dumb2×Talking & listening. Literally “don't know, don't know”. Flat denial; 2 hits.
• me o sara ni surulook very hard, search intently2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “make one's eyes saucers”. 'Look very hard'; 2 hits.
• otona no jijoureasons I can't go into (money, politics)2×Getting on with people. Literally “adult circumstances”. Reasons I can't go into (2 hits); jokey.
• isshou no fukakuthe biggest mistake of my life2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a lifetime's blunder”. The biggest mistake of my life (2).
• hakuba no oujisamathe perfect man one dreams of2×Getting on with people. Literally “a prince on a white horse”. Prince Charming (2 hits).
• kubi o aratte matteroyou're finished, just you wait2×Getting on with people. Literally “wash your neck and wait”. Your days are numbered (2 hits), rough.
• iiete myouwell put, that's spot on2×Talking & listening. Literally “aptly said, strangely so”. 'Well put'; 2 hits.
• goshou daijitreasure and cling to something (often too much)2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “precious as one's next life”. 'Treasure something too much'; 2 hits.
• senbai tokkyosomeone's specialty, the thing they're known for doing2×What people are like. Literally “monopoly patent”. 'Someone's trademark' (2 hits).
• nengara nenjuuall year round, constantly2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “all through the year”. 'All year round'. Only 2 hits.
• itte mo hajimaranaithere's no use saying it now2×Talking & listening. Literally “saying it won't start anything”. 'No use saying it now'; 2 hits, and itte mo shou ga nai is the everyday form.
• hana de ashiraubrush someone off, treat with contempt2×Getting on with people. Literally “deal with someone using the nose”. Brush someone off (2 hits).
• kawarimi ga hayaiquick to switch sides or attitude2×What people are like. Literally “one's body-switch is fast”. 'Quick to switch sides' (2 hits).
• me o sara no you ni surusearch with eyes wide open2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “make one's eyes like plates”. Longer form of me o sara ni suru; 2 hits.
• hana no shita o nobasugo gooey over a woman, leer1×Feelings & temper. Literally “stretch the space under the nose”. Going gooey over a woman. Only 1 hit.
• hagire ga waruievasive, not giving a clear answer1×Talking & listening. Literally “teeth cut badly”. An evasive reply; 0-1 hits.
• ha ga ukucringey, sickly-sweet (words)1×Feelings & temper. Literally “teeth float”. Cringey, sickly-sweet words. No corpus hits.
• kuchi hodo ni mo nainot as tough as one talks1×What people are like. Literally “not even as much as his mouth”. 'Not as tough as you talk' (1 hit); a rough taunt.
• tsume no aka o senjite nomulearn from someone's good example1×What people are like. Literally “brew and drink the dirt from someone's nails”. 'Learn from someone's example' (1 hit); mostly a joking scold.
• nehori hahori kikupry into every detail1×Talking & listening. Literally “ask digging up roots and leaves”. Prying into every detail; 1 hit.
• kokoro o oni ni surube strict for someone's own good1×Getting on with people. Literally “turn your heart into a demon”. Be strict for someone's own good (1 hit).
• toshi ni wa katenainot as young as I used to be1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “can't beat age”. 'Not as young as I used to be'. Only 1 hit. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hanashi hanbun ni kikutake it with a grain of salt1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “listen to half the story”. 'Take it with a grain of salt'; 1 hit.
• hoshi no kazu hodo iruthere are plenty of others (to date)1×Getting on with people. Literally “there are as many as the stars”. Plenty of fish in the sea (1 hit, judged 2).
• haremono ni sawaru youtreat someone with nervous care1×Getting on with people. Literally “as if touching a boil”. Treat someone with nervous care (0 hits, judged 2).
• kaze no uwasasomething heard secondhand1×Talking & listening. Literally “a rumour on the wind”. 'Heard it through the grapevine'; 1 hit.
• saji o nagerugive up on something or someone hopeless1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “throw down the (medicine) spoon”. 'Give up on a hopeless case'. Only 1 hit.
• tama ni kizuthe one flaw in something great1×What people are like. Literally “a flaw in a jewel”. 'The one flaw in something great' (1 hit).
• isogaba mawarethe slow, safe way is faster1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “if you're in a hurry, take the long way”. A famous saying ('more haste, less speed'), but only 1 hit. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• mizu o eta sakana no youthriving, in your element1×What people are like. Literally “like a fish that has found water”. 'In your element' (1 hit).
• e ni kaita mochia nice plan that will never happen1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a rice cake in a painting”. A nice plan that will never happen (1). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• me no ue no tankobusomeone who is always in your way1×Getting on with people. Literally “a lump above your eye”. A thorn in your side (2 hits, judged 2).
• kaeru no ko wa kaeruchildren turn out like their parents1×What people are like. Literally “a frog's child is a frog”. 'Like parent, like child' (1 hit); chi wa arasoenai is the version people say more. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hana ni kakerube stuck-up about, brag about (looks, money, brains)1×What people are like. Literally “hang it on your nose”. 'Be stuck-up about' (1 hit).
• honkoshi o ireruget serious about it, buckle down1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “put your real hips into it”. 'Buckle down'. Only 1 hit, and kiai o ireru is close.
• ki no okenaiclose, easy to be yourself with (friends)1×Getting on with people. Literally “no need to keep your guard”. Easy to be yourself with (1 hit); often misunderstood, so heard less.
• tada yori takai mono wa naifree things always cost you in the end1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “nothing is more expensive than free”. Free things always cost you in the end (1).
• tsuki to supponworlds apart in quality1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the moon and a soft-shell turtle”. 'Worlds apart'; 0 hits.
• kizuguchi ni shio o nurumake someone's hurt worse1×Getting on with people. Literally “rub salt into the wound”. Rub salt in the wound (1 hit, judged 2).
• baka no hitotsu oboedoing the same thing over and over1×What people are like. Literally “the one thing a fool memorised”. 'Doing the same thing over and over' (1 hit); rough.
• tanin no sorania chance resemblance between unrelated people1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “a stranger's empty likeness”. 'A chance lookalike'; 1 hit.
• ame futte ji katamarua relationship ends up stronger after a fight or a crisis1×Getting on with people. Literally “after rain falls, the ground hardens”. Stronger after a fight (1 hit); quoted more than said.
• isha no fuyoujounot practising what you preach1×What people are like. Literally “the doctor's neglect of his own health”. 'Not practising what you preach' (1 hit).
• makeinu no tooboeempty bluster from someone who lost1×Talking & listening. Literally “the distant howl of a beaten dog”. A sore loser's bluster; 1 hit.
• kuchi wa wazawai no motocareless words cause trouble1×Talking & listening. Literally “the mouth is the source of disaster”. A known saying, rarely said; 1 hit.
• saru mono wa owazulet people go if they want to leave (and welcome whoever comes)1×Getting on with people. Literally “don't chase those who leave”. Let people go if they want to (1 hit, judged 2).
• kane no kireme ga en no kiremewhen the money runs out, so do the friends1×Getting on with people. Literally “the break in money is the break in ties”. When the money goes, so do the friends (1 hit, judged 2).
• hito no uwasa mo shichijuugo nichigossip dies down in time1×Talking & listening. Literally “people's gossip, too, lasts seventy-five days”. A saying about gossip fading; 0 hits.
• nou aru taka wa tsume o kakusutruly capable people don't show off1×What people are like. Literally “the able hawk hides its claws”. 'Truly capable people don't show off' (1 hit).
• anzuru yori umu ga yasushiit turns out easier than you feared1×Feelings & temper. Literally “giving birth is easier than worrying about it”. A known saying ('easier than you feared'), but only 1 hit.
• shippai wa seikou no motoyou succeed by learning from failure1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “failure is the source of success”. 'Failure leads to success'. Only 1 hit.
• kega no koumyoua success that came from a mistake or accident1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a feat born from an injury”. A success that came from a mistake (1).
• heta na teppou mo kazu ucha atarutry enough times and something will work1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “even a poor gun hits if you fire it enough”. 'Try enough times and you'll hit'. Only 1 hit.
• onaji kama no meshi o kuuto have lived or worked closely together1×Getting on with people. Literally “eat rice from the same pot”. Lived or worked together (1 hit, judged 2).
• ocha o nigosuto fudge it with a vague answer1×Talking & listening. Literally “cloud the tea”. Fudging with a vague answer; 1 hit.
• doko fuku kazeacting as if it has nothing to do with you1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “where is the wind blowing”. 'Acting as if it's nothing to do with you'; 1 hit.
• yakebokkui ni hi ga tsukuan old romance rekindles1×Getting on with people. Literally “a charred stake catches fire again”. An old romance rekindles (1 hit, judged 2); the kept yori o modosu is close.
• tatsu se ga naito be left in an awkward spot; lose face1×Getting on with people. Literally “no shallows to stand in”. Be left in an awkward spot (1 hit, judged 2).
• saifu no himo ga kataicareful or stingy with money1×What people are like. Literally “the purse strings are tight”. 'Tight with money' (1 hit).
• ichigo ichietreasure each encounter, because it won't come again1×Getting on with people. Literally “one lifetime, one meeting”. Well known but rarely said aloud (1 hit). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ippatsu gyakutena sudden comeback in one stroke1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a one-shot reversal”. A comeback in one stroke (1); sports and games talk.
• wa o kakerugo one better (usually in a bad way), be even more so1×What people are like. Literally “add a ring around it”. 'Even more so' (1 hit as a phrase).
• udatsu ga agaranaigo nowhere in life or at work1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the roof firewall won't go up”. Go nowhere in life or at work (1).
• ii kusuri ni narua painful lesson that does someone good1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “becomes good medicine”. A painful lesson that does you good (1).
• migi ni onajiditto, same here1×Talking & listening. Literally “same as the right”. A jokey 'ditto'; 1 hit.
• yoku o kakuget greedy, want more than is wise1×What people are like. Literally “scratch up greed”. 'Get greedy' (1 hit).
• yoku o iebaif I had to ask for more, ideally1×Talking & listening. Literally “if I speak my greed”. 'If I had to ask for more'; 1 hit.
• innen o tsukerupick a quarrel, make false accusations1×Getting on with people. Literally “attach a karmic cause”. Pick a quarrel (1 hit).
• hotoke no kao mo sando madepatience has its limits (this is your last chance)1×Feelings & temper. Literally “even the Buddha's face only three times”. A saying ('patience has limits'). Only 1 hit.
• shitate ni deruact humble, take a meek approach (to get something)1×Getting on with people. Literally “come out from below”. Act humble to get your way (1 hit).
• chi no ke ga hikugo pale (with shock)1×Feelings & temper. Literally “the blood drains”. Going pale with shock. Only 1 hit.
• kitsune ni tsumamareta youbewildered, as if bewitched1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “as if pinched by a fox”. 'Bewildered'; 0 hits.
• atama ga yawarakaiflexible, open-minded thinker1×What people are like. Literally “the head is soft”. 'Flexible thinker' (1 hit); the opposite of the kept atama ga katai.
• ki ga nagaipatient, easygoing1×What people are like. Literally “the spirit is long”. 'Patient, easygoing' (1 hit); the opposite of the kept ki ga mijikai.
• kiyou binbougood at everything but master of nothing1×What people are like. Literally “handy and poor”. 'Jack of all trades' (1 hit). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• tekizai tekishothe right person in the right role1×What people are like. Literally “right material, right place”. 'The right person in the right role' (1 hit); workplace talk.
• kaiinu ni te o kamarerube betrayed by someone you looked after1×Getting on with people. Literally “get your hand bitten by your own dog”. Betrayed by someone you looked after (1 hit).
• kami mo hotoke mo naithere's no mercy in this world1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “there's neither god nor buddha”. There's no mercy in this world (1).
• kamo ga negi o shotte kuruan easy mark walks right in with even more to offer1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a duck comes carrying leeks on its back”. An easy mark walks right in (1).
• mekuso hanakuso o waraucriticising someone for a fault you share1×What people are like. Literally “eye gunk laughs at nose gunk”. 'The pot calling the kettle black' (1 hit).
• ana no aku hodo mirustare hard at1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “look until a hole opens”. 'Stare hard at'; 1 hit.
• inochi no sentakua refreshing break1×Feelings & temper. Literally “laundering one's life”. A refreshing break. Only 1 hit.
• tanki wa sonkilosing your temper only hurts you1×Feelings & temper. Literally “a short temper is a losing temper”. A saying ('losing your temper only hurts you'). Only 1 hit.
• hebi no namagoroshileaving someone in agonising limbo1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “half-killing a snake”. Left in agonising limbo (1).
• kane wa tenka no mawarimonomoney comes and goes, so don't fret1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “money is the world's going-round thing”. Money comes and goes (1).
• sanshou wa kotsubu demo piriri to karaismall but formidable1×What people are like. Literally “sansho pepper is small but sharply hot”. 'Small but formidable' (1 hit).
• tanin no meshi o kuulearn hardship by living and working away from home1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “eat strangers' rice”. 'Learn hardship living away from home'. Only 1 hit.
• shoubu wa toki no unwinning comes down to luck on the day1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “victory is the luck of the moment”. Winning comes down to luck on the day (1).
• kono oya ni shite kono ko arilike parent, like child1×What people are like. Literally “with this parent, this child”. 'Like parent, like child' (1 hit); chi wa arasoenai is said more.
• me wa kuchi hodo ni mono o iueyes say as much as words1×Talking & listening. Literally “the eyes speak as much as the mouth”. 'Eyes say as much as words'; 1 hit.
• yaki o irerurough someone up to teach them a lesson1×Getting on with people. Literally “put in the temper (heat-treat a blade)”. Rough someone up (1 hit), delinquent talk.
• baka ni tsukeru kusuri wa naithere's no cure for stupidity1×What people are like. Literally “there's no medicine to put on a fool”. 'No cure for stupidity' (1 hit).
• tokoro kawareba shina kawarucustoms differ from place to place1×Getting on with people. Literally “when the place changes, the goods change”. Customs differ by place (1 hit).
• isshin furansingle-mindedly, totally absorbed1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one heart, not distracted”. 'Single-mindedly'. Only 1 hit.
• ichinen hokkiresolving to change and make a fresh start1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one thought arises”. 'Resolve to make a fresh start'. Only 1 hit.
• sente hisshoustrike first and you win1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “first move, certain win”. Strike first and win (1).
• yoyuu shakushakucool and unbothered, with room to spare1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “plenty of room, ample”. 'Cool and unbothered'. Only 1 hit.
• mayutsubadubious, fishy1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “spit on the eyebrows (against being fooled)”. 'Fishy, dubious'; 1 hit.
• tokage no shippo kirisacrificing an underling to protect the people at the top1×Getting on with people. Literally “cutting off the lizard's tail”. Sacrificing an underling (1 hit); news and politics talk.
• tobu tori o otosu ikioiat the height of one's power, unstoppable1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “momentum that knocks down flying birds”. At the height of one's power (1).
• baba o hikuget stuck with the bad deal1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “draw the old maid (joker)”. Get stuck with the bad deal (1); binbou kuji o hiku is commoner.
• reeru o shikumap out someone's path for them1×Getting on with people. Literally “lay the rails”. Map out someone's path (1 hit).
• ki no mi ki no mamawith only the clothes on one's back1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “in what one has on, as one is dressed”. With only the clothes on your back (1).
• yobousen o harucover oneself in advance1×Talking & listening. Literally “stretch a protective line”. Covering yourself in advance; 3 hits.
• ohachi ga mawatte kuruone's turn (often an unwanted one) comes1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the rice tub comes round”. Your turn comes round (1).
• hoshi no moto ni umarerube fated (to something) from birth1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “be born under a star”. Fated from birth (1).
• kusa no ne o wakete mo sagasusearch everywhere1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “search even parting the grass roots”. 'Search everywhere'. Only 1 hit.
• temae misopraising one's own work1×Talking & listening. Literally “one's own homemade miso”. Praising your own work; 0 hits (jiga jisan is the same idea).
• hyakunen no koi mo samerua total turn-off1×Feelings & temper. Literally “even a hundred-year love cools”. A total turn-off. Only 1 hit.
• hitoyama aterustrike it rich1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “hit one mountain”. Strike it rich (1).
• kiiroi koehigh-pitched shrieks of excited (female) fans1×Talking & listening. Literally “yellow voices”. Fans' excited shrieks; 1 hit.
• oyama no taishoua self-important boss of a small group1×What people are like. Literally “the general of the little hill”. 'Big fish in a small pond' (1 hit).
• ikkoku ichijou no arujione's own master (own home, own business)1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “lord of one land and one castle”. Your own master, own home or business (1).
• migi e naraedo what everyone else does1×Getting on with people. Literally “right dress (line up to the right)”. Follow the herd (1 hit).
• mono wa kangaeyouit all depends on how you look at it1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “things depend on how one thinks”. 'It depends how you look at it'; 1 hit.
• mono wa soudanI have a proposal; no harm in asking1×Talking & listening. Literally “things are a matter for discussion”. 'No harm in asking' opener; 1 hit.
• hito o kuttacheeky, insolent, mocking1×What people are like. Literally “having eaten people”. 'Cheeky, mocking' (1 hit).
• osato ga shireruone's (poor) upbringing shows1×What people are like. Literally “one's home village becomes known”. 'Your upbringing shows' (1 hit).
• makura o takaku shite nerusleep easy, free of worry1×Feelings & temper. Literally “sleep with a high pillow”. Sleeping easy. Only 1 hit.
• doro o hakuconfess (to the police)1×Talking & listening. Literally “spit out the mud”. Confessing to the police; 0 hits.
• akirete mono mo ienaiI'm speechless (in disgust)1×Feelings & temper. Literally “so appalled I can't even say anything”. A known set phrase, but people mostly just say akireta (1 hit).
• mune ga shimetsukerarerufeel a pang of sadness or longing1×Feelings & temper. Literally “the chest is squeezed tight”. A pang of sadness. Only 1 hit.
• shinkei ga futoiunflappable, thick-skinned1×What people are like. Literally “nerves are thick”. 'Unflappable' (0 to 1 hits).
• hara o sagurutry to read someone's true intentions1×Getting on with people. Literally “probe the belly”. Read someone's real intentions (1 hit).
• ashi ga toonokustop visiting somewhere as often1×Getting on with people. Literally “the feet drift away”. Stop visiting as often (1 hit).
• tsukeyakibaknowledge or skill crammed at the last minute1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a blade with a tacked-on edge”. 'Last-minute crammed knowledge'. Only 1 hit.
• mikiri hasshapushing ahead before things are ready1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “departing without waiting”. 'Pushing ahead before it's ready'. Only 1 hit.
• ashimoto o sukuwarerube tripped up when off guard1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “have one's feet scooped”. Be tripped up when off guard (1).
• uogokoro areba mizugokorobe good to me and I'll be good to you1×Getting on with people. Literally “if the fish has a heart, the water has a heart”. You scratch my back (1 hit).
• koronde mo tada de wa okinaialways turns a setback to their advantage1×What people are like. Literally “even if they fall, they don't get up for nothing”. 'Always turns a setback to their advantage' (1 hit).
• tenka ippinthe best there is, second to none1×What people are like. Literally “the one item under heaven”. 'The best there is' (1 hit).
• ichinichi ichizena good deed a day1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one day, one good deed”. 'A good deed a day'. Only 1 hit.
• umisen yamasena wily old hand1×What people are like. Literally “a thousand years at sea, a thousand in the mountains”. 'A wily old hand' (1 hit).
• aji mo sokke mo naidull, dry, bland1×What people are like. Literally “no flavour and no charm”. 'Dull, bland' (1 hit).
• niru nari yaku narido what you like with me (or it)1×Getting on with people. Literally “boil or grill”. Do what you like with me (1 hit).
• mukau tokoro teki nashiunbeatable1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “no enemy wherever one goes”. Unbeatable (1).
• kuu ya kuwazubarely scraping by1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “eat or not eat”. Barely scraping by (1).
• makezu otorazuevery bit as (good or bad) as1×What people are like. Literally “neither losing nor inferior”. 'Every bit as' (1 hit).
• tsukazu hanarezukeep a comfortable distance1×Getting on with people. Literally “not attached, not apart”. Keep a comfortable distance (1 hit).
• nan no ki nashi nicasually, without thinking1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “without any intent”. 'Casually, without thinking'; 1 hit.
• kumo no ko o chirasu you niscattering in all directions1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “like scattering baby spiders”. Scattering in all directions (1).
• hadaka no ousamaa leader nobody dares tell the truth1×What people are like. Literally “the naked king”. 'The emperor's new clothes' (1 hit).
• hara no tashisomething to fill you up (usually: of no use at all)1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “an addition to the stomach”. Something to fill you up (1).
• hanaiki ga araiall fired up, raring to go1×Feelings & temper. Literally “breath through the nose is rough”. All fired up. Only 1 hit.
• onshitsu sodachisheltered, pampered1×What people are like. Literally “raised in a greenhouse”. 'Sheltered, pampered' (1 hit).
• ki ga ookiibold, generous (often from drink)1×What people are like. Literally “the spirit is big”. 'Bold, generous' (1 hit).
• honryou hakkishow what one is really made of1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “display of one's true domain”. 'Show what you're made of'. Only 1 hit.
• ookami shounensomeone who lies so often that no one believes them1×What people are like. Literally “wolf boy”. 'The boy who cried wolf' (1 hit).
• okurairi ni narube shelved, never released1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “go into the storehouse”. Be shelved, never released (1).
• imozuru shiki nione after another (arrests, discoveries)1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “like (pulling) a potato vine”. One after another (1).
• shimeshi ga tsukanaiit would set a bad example1×Getting on with people. Literally “the example can't be set”. Set a bad example (1 hit).
• me ga oyogueyes dart around (shifty, lying)—Feelings & temper. Literally “the eyes swim”. Shifty, darting eyes. No corpus hits.
• heso o magerusulk, get in a huff—Feelings & temper. Literally “bend one's belly button”. Sulking. No corpus hits.
• katami ga semaifeel small and ashamed in front of others—Feelings & temper. Literally “shoulders and body feel narrow”. Feeling small in front of others. No corpus hits.
• karada ga shihonyour health is everything—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the body is your capital”. 'Your health is everything'. People do say it, but it has 0 hits.
• kado ga tatsucause friction, come across badly—Getting on with people. Literally “corners stick up”. Cause friction (0 hits); mostly in careful work talk.
• sumi ni okenaimore savvy than they look (especially in love)—What people are like. Literally “can't be left in a corner”. 'More savvy than they look' (0 hits).
• me ga ten ni narube dumbfounded—Feelings & temper. Literally “your eyes become dots”. A slightly dated comic 'dumbfounded'. No corpus hits.
• happou bijinsomeone who tries to please everyone—What people are like. Literally “a beauty in all eight directions”. 'Tries to please everyone' (0 hits).
• karite kita nekounusually quiet and meek—What people are like. Literally “a borrowed cat”. 'Unusually quiet and meek' (0 hits).
• me ni iretemo itakunaidote on (a child or grandchild)—Getting on with people. Literally “it wouldn't hurt even if I put them in my eye”. Dote on a child or grandchild (0 hits, judged 2).
• sawaranu kami ni tatari nashistay out of it and you won't get hurt—Getting on with people. Literally “a god you don't touch can't curse you”. Stay out of it and you won't get hurt (0 hits, judged 2).
• tonari no shibafu wa aoiother people's lives always look better—Feelings & temper. Literally “the neighbour's lawn is green”. 'The grass is greener'. No corpus hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• yamai wa ki karafeeling sick is partly in your head—Feelings & temper. Literally “illness comes from the spirit”. A saying ('illness starts in the mind'). No corpus hits.
• deru kui wa utarerustand out and you'll get knocked down—Getting on with people. Literally “the stake that sticks out gets hammered”. Well known but quoted more than said (0 hits). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ago de tsukauboss someone around—Getting on with people. Literally “use (people) with your chin”. Boss someone around (0 hits); real but less frequent.
• yasumonogai no zeni ushinaibuying cheap costs more in the end—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “buying cheap things loses money”. Buying cheap costs more in the end (0).
• hara ga hette wa ikusa wa dekinueat first, then get to work—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “you can't fight a battle hungry”. A saying ('eat first, then work') with 0 hits.
• oya no kao ga mitaiwho raised you? (rude behaviour)—Getting on with people. Literally “I'd like to see your parents' faces”. Who raised you? (0 hits); a sharp jab, less frequent.
• oishii tokoro o motte ikugrab the credit or the big moment—Getting on with people. Literally “carry off the tasty part”. Steal the credit or the big moment (0 hits); casual and real but less frequent.
• ishi no ue ni mo sannenstick with it and it pays off—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “even on a cold stone, three years”. A famous saying ('stick with it'), but 0 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• donguri no seikurabeall about equally mediocre—What people are like. Literally “acorns comparing their heights”. 'All equally mediocre' (0 hits); known but rarely said.
• kusai mono ni futa o suruhide an embarrassing problem instead of fixing it—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “put a lid on the smelly thing”. Hush up a problem instead of fixing it (0).
• nezame ga waruiit would weigh on your conscience—Feelings & temper. Literally “waking up feels bad”. 'It would weigh on my conscience'. Real but rare (2 hits).
• tsuru no hitokoethe boss's single word that settles everything—Talking & listening. Literally “one cry of the crane”. Office idiom for the boss's final word; 0 hits.
• shaka ni seppouexplaining something to an expert who knows it better—Talking & listening. Literally “preaching to the Buddha”. A known saying but rarely said; 0 hits.
• naite mo waratte mono matter what happens; like it or not, this is it—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “whether you cry or laugh”. Like it or not, this is it (0).
• mochi wa mochiyaleave it to the specialist—What people are like. Literally “for rice cakes, the rice-cake shop”. 'Leave it to the specialist' (0 hits); known but rarely said.
• inochi atte no monodanestaying alive comes first; it's not worth the risk—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “everything depends on having your life”. Staying alive comes first (0).
• tatsu tori ato o nigosazuleave a place tidy and on good terms when you go—Getting on with people. Literally “a departing bird doesn't muddy the water behind it”. Leave on good terms (0 hits, judged 2).
• nana korobi ya okikeep getting back up after every failure—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “fall seven times, get up eight”. A famous saying ('fall seven times, get up eight'), but 0 hits.
• neko ni kobanwasted on someone who can't appreciate it—What people are like. Literally “gold coins to a cat”. 'Wasted on them' (0 hits).
• kahou wa nete matebe patient; good luck comes by itself—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “wait for good fortune lying down”. Good luck comes if you wait (0).
• inu mo arukeba bou ni ataruget out there and something will happen to you, good or bad—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “even a dog that walks bumps into a stick”. Get out there and something will happen (0).
• warau kado ni wa fuku kitarucheerful people attract good fortune—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “luck comes to the gate where people laugh”. Cheerful homes attract luck; mostly a New Year motto (0).
• uma no mimi ni nenbutsuadvice wasted on someone who won't listen—Talking & listening. Literally “a prayer in a horse's ear”. A textbook saying, rarely said aloud; 0 hits.
• oni no me ni mo namidaeven a hard person can be moved to tears—Feelings & temper. Literally “tears even in an ogre's eyes”. No corpus hits.
• kusatte mo taisomething fine keeps its worth even past its prime—What people are like. Literally “even rotten, it's still sea bream”. 'Still worth something past its prime' (0 hits).
• heta no yokozukiloving a hobby you're bad at—What people are like. Literally “the clumsy one's sideways liking”. 'Loving a hobby you're bad at' (0 hits).
• omoitatta ga kichijitsudo it now, the moment you decide—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the day you decide is the lucky day”. 'Do it the day you decide'. 0 hits. zen wa isoge is the one people say.
• suteru kami areba hirou kami ariif one door closes, another opens—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “if one god throws you away, another picks you up”. If one person drops you, another picks you up (0).
• keizoku wa chikara narikeeping at it pays off—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “continuing is strength”. 'Keeping at it pays off'. A poster slogan with 0 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• sando no meshi yori sukiloves it more than anything—Noticing & the mind. Literally “liked more than three meals a day”. 'Loves it more than anything'; 0 hits.
• shitashiki naka ni mo reigi arieven close friends owe each other good manners—Getting on with people. Literally “even between close people there is courtesy”. Manners even among friends (0 hits).
• toshiyori no hiyamizuan older person overdoing it—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “an old person's cold water”. 'An old person overdoing it'. 0 hits.
• iroke yori kuikemore interested in food than love—What people are like. Literally “appetite over romance”. 'More into food than romance' (0 hits).
• ishibashi o tataite wataruto be extremely cautious—What people are like. Literally “tap a stone bridge before crossing it”. 'Extremely cautious' (0 hits).
• yasukarou warukaroucheap things are poor quality—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “if it's cheap, it's bad”. Cheap means poor quality (0).
• binbou hima nashitoo busy making a living to rest—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the poor have no free time”. 'Too busy making a living to rest'. 0 hits.
• otentousama ga miteruheaven sees what you do, even in secret—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the sun is watching”. Heaven sees what you do (0); a bit old-fashioned.
• nai sode wa furenaican't give what you don't have (usually money)—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “you can't wave a sleeve you don't have”. Can't give what you don't have (0).
• hadaka no tsukiaian open, no-pretence friendship (often from bathing together)—Getting on with people. Literally “naked association”. No-pretence friendship (0 hits, judged 2).
• horeta yowamiyou can't say no to the person you love—Getting on with people. Literally “the weakness of having fallen for someone”. Can't say no to the one you love (0 hits, judged 2).
• hara no mushi ga osamaranaican't get over one's anger—Feelings & temper. Literally “the bug in the belly won't settle”. No corpus hits. People just say hara ga tatsu.
• ushirogami o hikareruto leave reluctantly, full of regret—Feelings & temper. Literally “have the hair at the back of one's head pulled”. Leaving with regret. Lovely, but almost no hits.
• nashi no tsubuteno reply at all—Getting on with people. Literally “a pear thrown like a pebble”. No reply at all (0 hits); otosata ga nai is the commoner way.
• teshio ni kakeruto raise or nurture something with great care—Getting on with people. Literally “put one's own hand-salt on it”. Raise or nurture with care (0 hits).
• neko mo shakushi moabsolutely everyone (following a trend)—What people are like. Literally “cats and ladles too”. 'Absolutely everyone' (0 hits); a little old-fashioned.
• taigan no kajisomeone else's problem, nothing to do with us—Noticing & the mind. Literally “a fire on the opposite bank”. 'Someone else's problem'; 0 hits.
• sune ni kizu o motsuto have a shady past—What people are like. Literally “have a scar on the shin”. 'Have a shady past' (0 hits).
• yumizu no you ni tsukauto spend lavishly—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “use it like hot and cold water”. Spend money like water (0).
• kane ni kitanaigreedy, stingy, grasping about money—What people are like. Literally “dirty about money”. 'Greedy about money' (no count found).
• nisoku no warajidoing two jobs at once (nisoku no waraji o haku)—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “two pairs of straw sandals”. 'Doing two jobs at once'. 0 hits.
• take o watta you nastraightforward, frank, with no hidden side (of a personality)—What people are like. Literally “like split bamboo”. 'Straightforward, frank' (no count found).
• nani ga kanashikutewhy on earth would I (do something so pointless)—Feelings & temper. Literally “what is so sad that”. 'Why on earth would I...'. No corpus hits.
• iu ni koto kaiteof all the things to say—Talking & listening. Literally “being short of things to say”. 'Of all the things to say'; 0 hits.
• kouotsu tsukegataican't choose between them, they're equally good—Noticing & the mind. Literally “hard to rank A and B”. 'Can't choose between them'; 0 hits.
• en mo yukari mo naihave no connection whatsoever (with a place or person)—Getting on with people. Literally “no bond, no connection”. No connection at all (0 hits).
• tobu you ni urerusell extremely fast—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “sell as if flying”. Sell extremely fast (0).
• kajiba no bakajikarasuperhuman strength in an emergency—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the crazy strength at a fire”. 'Superhuman strength in an emergency'. 0 hits.
• me no yariba ni komarunot know where to look (embarrassed)—Feelings & temper. Literally “at a loss where to put your eyes”. Not knowing where to look. No corpus hits.
• te ni ase o nigirube on the edge of your seat—Feelings & temper. Literally “grip sweat in the hands”. On the edge of your seat. Mostly sports commentary. Almost no hits.
• akke ni torarerube dumbfounded—Feelings & temper. Literally “be taken by blankness”. Dumbfounded. Mostly narration, with almost no hits.
• me o maruku surube wide-eyed with surprise—Feelings & temper. Literally “make the eyes round”. Wide-eyed with surprise. No corpus hits.
• nitemo yaitemo kuenaiimpossible to deal with, too crafty to handle—What people are like. Literally “can't eat it boiled or grilled”. 'Impossible to deal with' (0 hits).
• otsuri ga kurumore than enough—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “change comes back”. 'More than enough'. 0 hits.
• warui mushi ga tsukuget involved with an undesirable suitor—Getting on with people. Literally “a bad bug attaches”. A parent's worry about a bad suitor (0 hits).
• kawaii ko ni wa tabi o saseyolet children learn the hard way—Getting on with people. Literally “send a beloved child on a journey”. Let kids learn the hard way (0 hits); a quoted saying.
• oya no kokoro ko shirazukids never understand what their parents go through—Getting on with people. Literally “the child doesn't know the parent's heart”. Kids never get what parents go through (0 hits); parents say it now and then.
• tonbi ga taka o umuordinary parents with a brilliant child—What people are like. Literally “a kite gives birth to a hawk”. 'Ordinary parents, brilliant child' (0 hits).
• mitsugo no tamashii hyaku madeyou never really change who you were as a child—What people are like. Literally “a three-year-old's soul lasts to a hundred”. 'You never change who you were as a child' (0 hits); known but seldom said aloud.
• kiku wa ittoki no hajidon't be embarrassed to ask (not asking is a lifetime's shame)—Talking & listening. Literally “asking is a moment's shame”. A saying about asking questions; 0 hits.
• noren ni udeoshigetting no reaction at all, a waste of effort—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “pushing your arm against a shop curtain”. 'Like pushing a curtain', getting no reaction. 0 hits.
• oni no inu ma ni sentakurelax while the boss or parent is away—Getting on with people. Literally “do the washing while the ogre's away”. Relax while the boss is away (0 hits).
• fuufu genka wa inu mo kuwanaistay out of couples' fights—Getting on with people. Literally “even a dog won't eat a couple's quarrel”. Stay out of couples' fights (0 hits).
• baka wa shinanakya naoranaisome people never learn—What people are like. Literally “a fool won't be cured unless he dies”. 'Some people never learn' (0 hits); rough.
• un mo jitsuryoku no uchiluck is a skill too—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “luck is also part of ability”. Luck is a skill too (0).
• yudan taitekidon't let your guard down—Noticing & the mind. Literally “carelessness (is the) great enemy”. 'Don't let your guard down'; 0 hits.
• hito no furi mite waga furi naoselearn from other people's bad behaviour—What people are like. Literally “see others' conduct, fix your own”. 'Learn from others' bad behaviour' (0 hits); quoted more than said.
• sannin yoreba monju no chieput a few heads together and you'll find an answer—Noticing & the mind. Literally “if three gather, (there is) the wisdom of Manjushri”. 'Two heads are better than one'; 0 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• nodo moto sugireba atsusa o wasurerupeople forget a hard lesson as soon as the trouble is over—Noticing & the mind. Literally “once past the throat, you forget the heat”. 'Forget a lesson once the trouble is over'; 0 hits.
• ashi o mukete nerarenaiI owe them more than I can ever repay—Getting on with people. Literally “can't sleep with my feet pointing (toward them)”. I owe them more than I can repay (0 hits).
• neru ko wa sodatsusleep is good for kids; said of anyone who sleeps a lot—What people are like. Literally “a child who sleeps grows”. 'Sleep is good for kids' (0 hits); mostly said about babies.
• tabemono no urami wa osoroshiipeople never forgive you for taking their food—Feelings & temper. Literally “grudges over food are frightening”. A fun joke saying ('never steal someone's food'), but no corpus hits.
• abata mo ekubowhen you're in love, even flaws look charming—Getting on with people. Literally “even pockmarks (look like) dimples”. Love makes flaws look cute (0 hits); a bit old.
• bouzu nikukerya kesa made nikuionce you hate someone, everything about them grates—Feelings & temper. Literally “hate the monk and you hate even his robe”. A known saying, but no corpus hits.
• tora no i o karu kitsunesomeone who throws their weight around using a powerful person's name—What people are like. Literally “a fox borrowing the tiger's might”. 'Throwing your weight around with a boss's name' (0 hits).
• oni no kubi o totta youcrowing triumphantly over a small win—Feelings & temper. Literally “as if one had taken an ogre's head”. Crowing over a small win. No corpus hits.
• hato ga mamedeppou o kutta youdumbfounded, wide-eyed with surprise—Feelings & temper. Literally “like a pigeon hit by a pea-shooter”. Wide-eyed surprise. No corpus hits.
• hebi ni niramareta kaerufrozen stiff with fear—Feelings & temper. Literally “a frog glared at by a snake”. Frozen with fear. No corpus hits.
• hashi ni mo bou ni mo kakaranaihopeless; not even in the running—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “caught by neither chopsticks nor a stick”. Hopeless, not even in the running (0).
• kenka ryouseibaiboth sides in a fight share the blame—Getting on with people. Literally “in a fight, both sides punished”. Both sides share the blame (0 hits).
• nuka ni kugiadvice that has no effect at all—Talking & listening. Literally “a nail into rice bran”. Advice that has no effect; 0 hits.
• kuchi kara saki ni umaretaa born talker who never stops—Talking & listening. Literally “born mouth first”. A born talker; 0 hits.
• ue o mireba kiri ga naithere's always someone better off, so be content—Noticing & the mind. Literally “if you look up, there's no end”. 'There's always someone better off'; 0 hits.
• hara ni ichimotsuharbouring a hidden motive—What people are like. Literally “a thing in the belly”. 'A hidden motive' (0 hits).
• ka no naku you na koea tiny, barely audible voice—Talking & listening. Literally “a voice like a mosquito's whine”. A tiny, barely audible voice; 0 hits.
• hitori zumoua fight or fuss that only one side is in—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one-person sumo”. 'A fight only one side is in'. 0 hits.
• kirei na bara ni wa toge ga arubeautiful people can be dangerous—What people are like. Literally “pretty roses have thorns”. 'Every rose has its thorn' (0 hits).
• wakai toki no kurou wa katte demo seyohardship when young is worth seeking out—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “hardship in youth, take it on even if you must buy it”. A long saying about hardship in youth. 0 hits.
• kinou no teki wa kyou no tomoformer rivals can become friends—Getting on with people. Literally “yesterday's enemy is today's friend”. Rivals can become friends (0 hits).
• kawaisa amatte nikusa hyakubailove turned to hate burns hardest—Feelings & temper. Literally “love overflowing, hate a hundredfold”. Love turned to hate. No corpus hits.
• sake wa hyakuyaku no choua drink is the best medicine (a drinker's excuse)—Feelings & temper. Literally “sake is the chief of a hundred medicines”. A drinker's excuse saying. No corpus hits.
• tooku no shinseki yori chikaku no tanina good neighbour is worth more than distant family—Getting on with people. Literally “a stranger nearby over relatives far away”. A near neighbour beats far-off family (0 hits).
• nikumarekko yo ni habakarunasty people tend to do well—What people are like. Literally “the hated child holds sway in the world”. 'Nasty people do well' (0 hits).
• yanagi no shita ni itsumo dojou wa inaia lucky break won't come twice the same way—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “there isn't always a loach under the willow”. A lucky break won't come twice (0).
• kateba kangunthe winner is always in the right—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “win and you're the imperial army”. The winner is always in the right (0).
• issun no mushi ni mo gobu no tamashiieven the small and weak have their pride—What people are like. Literally “even an inch-long bug has a half-inch soul”. 'Even the small have pride' (0 hits).
• kyuuso neko o kamua cornered underdog will fight back—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a cornered rat bites the cat”. A cornered underdog fights back (0).
• jigoku no sata mo kane shidaimoney can buy anything—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “even judgment in hell depends on money”. Money can buy anything (0).
• hito no kuchi ni to wa taterarenaiyou can't stop people talking—Talking & listening. Literally “you cannot put a door on people's mouths”. 'You can't stop people talking'; 0 hits.
• uso kara deta makotoa lie or joke that turned out true—Talking & listening. Literally “truth that came out of a lie”. A joke that came true; 0 hits.
• hyoutan kara komasomething said in jest unexpectedly comes true—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a horse out of a gourd”. Something said in jest comes true (0).
• ebi de tai o tsuruget a big return for a small outlay—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “catch a sea bream with a shrimp”. A big return for a small outlay (0).
• buta ni shinjuwasted on someone who can't appreciate it—What people are like. Literally “pearls to a pig”. 'Pearls before swine' (0 hits).
• nurete de awaeasy money, profit without effort—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “millet with wet hands”. Easy money without effort (0).
• wataru seken ni oni wa nashithere are kind people everywhere—Getting on with people. Literally “in the world you cross, there are no demons”. There are kind people everywhere (0 hits).
• suezen kuwanu wa otoko no hajia man shouldn't turn down a woman's advances—Getting on with people. Literally “not eating a meal set before you is a man's shame”. 0 hits; dated and masculine.
• atama kakushite shiri kakusazua poor attempt at hiding, with the evidence in plain sight—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “hide the head, not the backside”. A poor attempt at hiding (0).
• yoraba taiju no kageattach yourself to the powerful—Getting on with people. Literally “if you lean, (lean) in the shade of a big tree”. Attach yourself to the powerful (0 hits).
• hito no fundoshi de sumou o toruprofit from other people's resources or work—Getting on with people. Literally “wrestle in someone else's loincloth”. Profit from others' work (0 hits).
• inu ni kamareta to omottewrite it off as bad luck and forget it—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “thinking of it as having been bitten by a dog”. Write it off as bad luck (0).
• onna gokoro to aki no soraa woman's mind changes like the weather—What people are like. Literally “a woman's heart and the autumn sky”. 'A woman's mind changes like the weather' (0 hits); dated.
• oya koukou shitai toki ni wa oya wa nashirepay your parents while you still can—Getting on with people. Literally “when you want to be filial, your parents are gone”. Repay your parents while you can (0 hits).
• jishin kaminari kaji oyajithe four scariest things (a joke about a strict dad)—Feelings & temper. Literally “earthquake, thunder, fire, father”. A dated joke list of scary things. No corpus hits.
• awateru kojiki wa morai ga sukunaibe patient; grabbing gets you less—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the hasty beggar gets little”. 'Grab and you get less'. 0 hits.
• baka to hasami wa tsukaiyouanyone is useful if you handle them well—Getting on with people. Literally “fools and scissors depend on how you use them”. Anyone is useful if handled well (0 hits).
• tabi no haji wa kakisutepeople misbehave when travelling because nobody knows them—Feelings & temper. Literally “shame on a journey is scratched off”. A saying about misbehaving on trips. No corpus hits.
• tatte iru mono wa oya demo tsukaeask whoever's free to help—Getting on with people. Literally “use whoever is standing, even a parent”. Ask whoever's free (0 hits).
• koko de atta ga hyakunenmenow I've finally got you—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “meeting here is the hundredth year”. Now I've finally got you (0); a period-drama line.
• ichi o kiite juu o shiruquick to grasp everything from a hint—What people are like. Literally “hear one, know ten”. 'Grasps everything from a hint' (0 hits).
• kaze ga fukeba okeya ga moukaruan unlikely chain of cause and effect—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “when the wind blows, the bucket-maker profits”. An unlikely chain of cause and effect (0).
• makanu tane wa haenuno effort, no result—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “unsown seeds do not sprout”. 'No effort, no result'. 0 hits.
• kusuri mo sugireba doku to narutoo much of a good thing is harmful—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “medicine too, in excess, becomes poison”. 'Too much of a good thing'. 0 hits.
• hito o mitara dorobou to omoetrust no one—Getting on with people. Literally “if you see a person, think thief”. Trust no one (0 hits).
• umi no mono tomo yama no mono tomo tsukanaitoo early to tell how it'll turn out—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “can't tell if it's from the sea or the mountains”. Too early to tell (0).
• raku areba ku arilife has its ups and downs—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “where there's ease, there's hardship”. Life has its ups and downs (0).
• yoku no kawa ga tsupparube greedy—What people are like. Literally “the skin of greed is stretched tight”. 'Greedy' (0 hits).
• son shite toku toreaccept a small loss for a bigger gain—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “take a loss, take a gain”. Take a small loss for a bigger gain (0).
• tonbi ni aburaage o sarawareruhave something snatched away at the last moment—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “have one's fried tofu snatched by a kite”. Have something snatched away at the last moment (0).
• sode furiau mo tashou no eneven chance encounters are fated—Getting on with people. Literally “even sleeves brushing is a bond from another life”. Chance meetings are fated (0 hits); kore mo nanika no en is the everyday version.
• oni no kakurana normally robust person falling ill—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “an ogre's sunstroke”. A tough person falling ill (0).
• bunbu ryoudougood at both studies and sports—What people are like. Literally “letters and arms, both paths”. 'Good at both studies and sports' (0 hits).
• tariki honganrelying on others to do it for you—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “others' power, original vow”. 'Relying on others to do it'. 0 hits.
• kubu kurinalmost certainly—Noticing & the mind. Literally “nine tenths and nine hundredths”. 'Almost certainly'; 0 hits.
• gozou roppu ni shimiwatarugoes right through you (a drink or food that tastes wonderful)—Feelings & temper. Literally “seeps into the five organs and six viscera”. A drinker's 'that hits the spot'. No corpus hits.
• gojippo hyappothere's little to choose between them—What people are like. Literally “fifty paces, a hundred paces”. 'Little to choose between them' (0 hits).
• ni no ku ga tsugenaitoo stunned to say anything—Talking & listening. Literally “can't continue to the second phrase”. Too stunned to reply; 0 hits.
• hitokuse mo futakuse mo arua tricky, hard-to-handle character—What people are like. Literally “has one quirk, even two”. 'A tricky character' (0 hits).
• manaita no koihelpless, resigned to whatever happens—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a carp on the chopping board”. Helpless, resigned to whatever happens (0).
• kazakami ni mo okenaia disgrace to (one's profession, sex, team)—What people are like. Literally “can't even be placed upwind”. 'A disgrace to' (0 hits).
• kumo o tsukamu youvague, impossible to pin down—Noticing & the mind. Literally “like grabbing a cloud”. 'Vague, hard to pin down'; 0 hits.
• hinoko ga furikakaruget dragged into someone else's trouble—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “sparks rain down on one”. Get dragged into trouble (0); makizoe o kuu is commoner.
• bashauma no you ni hatarakuwork nonstop without a break—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “work like a carthorse”. 'Work like a horse'. 0 hits.
• tora no koone's precious savings, the thing one guards most—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a tiger's cub”. One's precious savings (0).
• gesu no kanguria mean-minded guess at someone's motives—Noticing & the mind. Literally “a lowlife's suspicion”. 'A mean-minded guess'; 0 hits.
• kuda o makuramble on drunkenly—Talking & listening. Literally “wind the spool”. Rambling on drunkenly; 0 hits.
• hashigo o hazusuwithdraw support after getting someone to commit—Getting on with people. Literally “take away the ladder”. Pull the rug out from under someone (0 hits).
• tateita ni mizuspeaking fluently, without a pause—Talking & listening. Literally “water on an upright board”. Speaking fluently without pause; 0 hits.
• yamanai ame wa naihard times always pass—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “there is no rain that never stops”. Hard times always pass (2).
• doro no you ni nemurusleep deeply from exhaustion—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “sleep like mud”. 'Sleep like a log'. 0 hits.
• hi ga tsuita you ni nakucry one's head off (a baby)—Feelings & temper. Literally “cry as if set on fire”. A baby crying its head off. No corpus hits.
• hanashi ni hana ga sakuhave a lively chat—Talking & listening. Literally “flowers bloom in the talk”. A lively chat; 0 hits, and people say hanashi ga moriagaru (collocation list).
• hitohana sakaseruhave one more success, a moment of glory—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “make one flower bloom”. One more moment of glory (0).
• seki o kitta you niall at once, in a flood (tears, words)—Feelings & temper. Literally “as if the dam had burst”. 'As if a dam burst'. No corpus hits.
• tanin no fukou wa mitsu no ajienjoying others' bad luck—Feelings & temper. Literally “other people's misfortune tastes of honey”. A schadenfreude saying. No corpus hits.
• chacha o irerubutt in with teasing remarks—Talking & listening. Literally “put in tea”. Butting in with teasing; 0 hits.
• imo o arau youpacked with people—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “like washing potatoes”. 'Packed like sardines'. 0 hits.
• hitoaji mo futaaji mo chigauclearly better than the rest—What people are like. Literally “differ by one or two flavours”. 'Clearly better' (0 hits).
• ichi mo ni mo nakuwithout a second thought—Noticing & the mind. Literally “without one or two”. 'Without a second thought'; 0 hits.
• ichi ni o arasoube among the very best—What people are like. Literally “compete for first or second”. 'Among the very best' (0 hits).
• kokyou ni nishiki o kazarureturn home a success—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “adorn one's hometown with brocade”. Return home a success (0).
• sanbyoushi sorouhave every needed quality—What people are like. Literally “the three beats line up”. 'Has every quality' (0 hits).
• kado ga torerumellow with age—What people are like. Literally “the corners come off”. 'Mellow with age' (0 hits).
• yotei wa miteiplans are subject to change—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the plan is unplanned”. Plans are subject to change (0); a joke phrase.
• sen ga hosoidelicate, fragile (in build or nerves)—What people are like. Literally “the lines are thin”. 'Delicate' (0 hits).
• sha ni kamaerube cynical and aloof—What people are like. Literally “take a slanted stance”. 'Cynical and aloof' (0 hits).
• tanka o kirufire off a defiant speech—Talking & listening. Literally “cut a tirade”. Firing off a defiant speech; 2 hits.
• jidanda o fumustamp one's feet in frustration—Feelings & temper. Literally “pump the foot bellows”. Stamping your feet in frustration. No corpus hits.
• doku ni mo kusuri ni mo naranaiharmless but useless, bland—What people are like. Literally “neither poison nor medicine”. 'Harmless but useless' (0 hits).
• kiyomizu no butai kara tobiorirumake a huge decision or purchase—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “jump off the Kiyomizu temple stage”. Take the plunge on a big decision (0).
• negoto wa nete iestop talking nonsense—Talking & listening. Literally “say your sleep-talk in your sleep”. A rough 'dream on'; 0 hits.
• tatakeba hokori ga derudig deep enough and anyone has something to hide—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “beat it and dust comes out”. Anyone has something to hide (0).
• futokoro ga atatakaiflush with money—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the breast of one's kimono is warm”. Flush with money (0).
• kachiuma ni noruside with whoever is winning—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “ride the winning horse”. Side with whoever is winning (0).
• geta o azukeruleave the matter entirely to someone—Getting on with people. Literally “hand over one's clogs”. Leave it all to someone (0 hits, judged 2).
• hiyameshi o kuube sidelined, be kept out in the cold—Getting on with people. Literally “eat cold rice”. Be sidelined (0 hits, judged 2).
• hashi no ageoroshievery tiny thing one does (when nitpicked)—What people are like. Literally “the raising and lowering of chopsticks”. 'Every tiny thing you do' (0 hits).
• tate no mono o yoko ni mo shinaiextremely lazy around the house—What people are like. Literally “won't even turn an upright thing sideways”. 'Won't lift a finger at home' (0 hits).
• nigamushi o kamitsubushita you na kaoa sour, disgusted expression—Feelings & temper. Literally “a face like someone who chewed a bitter bug”. A sour face. Mostly narration, with no corpus hits.
• haji no uwanurimake an embarrassment even worse—Feelings & temper. Literally “a second coat of shame”. Making an embarrassment worse. No corpus hits.
• kuchi o togaraserupout, sulk—Feelings & temper. Literally “make the mouth pointed”. Pouting. No corpus hits.
• onaka ga yojirerulaugh so hard it hurts—Feelings & temper. Literally “the belly twists”. Laughing so hard it hurts. No corpus hits.
• ba ga shirakeruthe mood goes flat, awkward silence—Feelings & temper. Literally “the place turns white”. The mood goes flat. People usually just say shirakeru.
• me ga suwaruhave a glazed, fixed stare (drunk or dead serious)—Feelings & temper. Literally “the eyes sit fixed”. A glazed, fixed stare. No corpus hits.
• kuuki ga omoithe atmosphere is tense or gloomy—Feelings & temper. Literally “the air is heavy”. A heavy, tense atmosphere. No corpus hits.
• shinzou ni ke ga haeterubrazen, has incredible nerve—What people are like. Literally “hair is growing on the heart”. 'Has incredible nerve' (0 hits).
• yowatari jouzugood at getting on in life—What people are like. Literally “skilled at crossing the world”. 'Good at getting on in life' (0 hits).
• koshi ga karuiquick to act, willing to get up and help—What people are like. Literally “the hips are light”. 'Quick to act' (0 hits).
• ningen ga dekiterumature, a person of good character—What people are like. Literally “the person is finished”. 'A person of good character' (0 hits).
• tsuba o tsukerustake a claim on someone or something first—Getting on with people. Literally “put spit on it”. Call dibs (0 hits); casual.
• teishu genki de rusu ga iia husband is best healthy and away from home (joke)—Getting on with people. Literally “a husband is best healthy and out”. A joke about husbands (0 hits).
• abura o shiborugive someone a good telling-off—Getting on with people. Literally “press out the oil”. Chew someone out (0 hits).
• hito no fukou wa mitsu no ajipeople enjoy others' bad luck—Getting on with people. Literally “others' misfortune tastes of honey”. Others' bad luck tastes sweet (0 hits).
• shita no ne mo kawakanu uchi niright after saying the opposite—Talking & listening. Literally “before the root of the tongue is dry”. Contradicting yourself in the same breath; 0 hits.
• okuba ni mono ga hasamatta youevasive, not saying it straight—Talking & listening. Literally “like something stuck in the back teeth”. Beating around the bush; 0 hits.
• itta mon gachiwhoever speaks up first gets their way—Talking & listening. Literally “whoever says it wins”. Whoever speaks up first wins; 0 hits.
• agezen suezenbeing waited on, not lifting a finger—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “trays brought, trays cleared”. 'Being waited on hand and foot'. 0 hits.
• shirikire tonboleft unfinished, petering out—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a dragonfly with its tail cut off”. 'Left unfinished, petering out'. 0 hits.
• muri ga tataruoverwork catches up with you—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “overexertion curses you”. 'Overwork catches up with you'. 0 hits.
• ki no nai henjia half-hearted answer—Noticing & the mind. Literally “a reply without spirit”. 'A half-hearted answer'; 0 hits.
• yowarime ni tatarimeone misfortune after another—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a curse on a weak spot”. One misfortune after another (0); fundari kettari is commoner.
• oiuchi o kakerumake a bad situation worse—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “strike a fleeing enemy”. Make a bad situation worse (0).
• akenai yoru wa naihard times always end—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “there is no night that does not end”. Hard times always end (0).
• koubou fude o erabazua real expert can work with any tools—What people are like. Literally “Kobo (the calligrapher) doesn't choose his brush”. 'A real expert can use any tool' (0 hits).
• oya ga oya nara ko mo kothe kids are as bad as the parents—What people are like. Literally “if the parent is that parent, the child is that child”. 'The kids are as bad as the parents' (0 hits); chi wa arasoenai is said more.
• umi no oya yori sodate no oyathe one who raises you is your real parent—Getting on with people. Literally “the parent who raised you over the parent who bore you”. The one who raises you is your parent (0 hits).
• tayori no nai no wa yoi tayorino news means things are fine—Getting on with people. Literally “no letter is a good letter”. No news is good news (0 hits).
• tensai wa wasureta koro ni yatte kurudisaster strikes just when you've let your guard down—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “natural disasters come when you have forgotten them”. Disaster strikes when you've forgotten it (0).
• na wa tai o arawasuthe name fits the person (or thing)—What people are like. Literally “a name shows the body”. 'The name fits' (0 hits).
• teki o azamuku ni wa mazu mikata karakeep even your own side in the dark to pull off a trick—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “to deceive the enemy, first deceive your allies”. Keep even your own side in the dark (0).
• hyakugai atte ichiri nashinothing but harm—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a hundred harms and not one benefit”. Nothing but harm (0).
• wareneabe ni tojibutathere's a partner for everyone, however odd—Getting on with people. Literally “a mended lid for a cracked pot”. A partner for everyone (0 hits, judged 2).
• ko wa kasugaichildren hold a marriage together—Getting on with people. Literally “a child is a clamp”. Kids hold a marriage together (0 hits, judged 2).
• tabi wa michizure yo wa nasakeit's good to have company and be kind along the way—Getting on with people. Literally “on a journey, a companion; in the world, kindness”. Company and kindness along the way (0 hits).
• iya yo iya yo mo suki no uchiprotesting too much means they really like it—Getting on with people. Literally “'no, no' is also part of liking”. Protesting means they like it (0 hits).
• bijin wa mikka de akirulooks aren't everything in a partner—What people are like. Literally “you get bored of a beauty in three days”. 'Looks aren't everything' (0 hits).
• kodomo wa oya no senaka o mite sodatsuchildren learn from what parents do, not what they say—Getting on with people. Literally “children grow up watching their parents' backs”. Kids copy what parents do (0 hits).
• ousama no mimi wa roba no mimia secret you're bursting to tell—Talking & listening. Literally “the king has donkey's ears”. A secret you're bursting to tell; 0 hits.
• hin sureba don surupoverty dulls the mind and morals—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “when poor, one becomes dull”. Poverty dulls the mind (0).
• kanemochi kenka sezupeople with something to lose avoid fights—What people are like. Literally “the rich don't quarrel”. 'People with something to lose avoid fights' (0 hits).
• tsutta sakana ni esa o yaranaionce someone has you, they stop making an effort—Getting on with people. Literally “you don't feed a fish you've caught”. They stop trying once they've got you (0 hits); a dating-talk saying.
• doryoku wa uragiranaihard work always pays off—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “effort doesn't betray you”. 'Hard work pays off'. A slogan with 0 hits.
• hatsukoi wa minoranaifirst loves never work out—Getting on with people. Literally “first love doesn't bear fruit”. First love never works out (0 hits, judged 2).
• toufu no kado ni atama o butsukete shinedrop dead (joking insult)—Getting on with people. Literally “hit your head on the corner of a tofu and die”. Comedic insult (0 hits).
• rainen no koto o ieba oni ga warauno point planning that far ahead—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “talk about next year and the demon laughs”. No point planning that far ahead (0).
• buta mo odaterya ki ni noboruflattery gets anyone to do anything—Getting on with people. Literally “even a pig climbs a tree if you flatter it”. Flattery works on anyone (0 hits, judged 2).
• ichien o warau mono wa ichien ni nakusmall sums matter—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “who laughs at one yen weeps over one yen”. Small sums matter (0).
• shoubu wa geta o haku made wakaranaiit's not over till it's over—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a match isn't decided until you put on your geta”. It's not over till it's over (0).
• bon to shougatsu ga issho ni kita youa whirl of good things (or busyness) all at once—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “like Obon and New Year came together”. Good things or busyness all at once (0).
• nusutto ni mo sanbu no rianyone can find an excuse for anything—Talking & listening. Literally “even a thief has thirty percent of reason”. Anyone can find an excuse; 0 hits.
• kyoudai wa tanin no hajimarisiblings drift apart as they grow up—Getting on with people. Literally “siblings are the start of strangers”. Siblings drift apart (0 hits, judged 2).
• heso de cha o wakasuthat's ridiculous, laughable—Talking & listening. Literally “boil tea with your navel”. A dated 'that's laughable'; 0 hits.
• bushi no nasakespare me, have a heart (mercy to a beaten opponent)—Getting on with people. Literally “a samurai's mercy”. Have a heart, spare me (0 hits).
• otoko ga sutaruI'd be no man if I backed down—What people are like. Literally “the man goes to waste”. 'I'd be no man if I backed down' (0 hits).
• bijin hakumeibeautiful women die young or have hard lives—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “beauty, thin fate”. Beautiful women have hard lives (0).
• haji mo gaibun mo naipast caring what anyone thinks—What people are like. Literally “no shame and no reputation”. 'Past caring what anyone thinks' (0 hits).
• kowai mono mitasamorbid curiosity—Noticing & the mind. Literally “wanting to see scary things”. 'Morbid curiosity'; 0 hits.
• aite ni totte fusoku wa naia worthy opponent—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “nothing lacking as an opponent”. 'A worthy opponent'. 0 hits.
• katai koto wa iikko nashidon't be so uptight—Getting on with people. Literally “no saying stiff things”. Don't be so uptight (0 hits); katai koto iwanaide is the plain way.
• hito o hito to mo omowanaitreat people like dirt—What people are like. Literally “not even think of people as people”. 'Treat people like dirt' (0 hits).
• nakazu tobazumaking no mark, going nowhere (career)—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “neither singing nor flying”. Going nowhere in a career (0).
• yasete mo karete mofor all my decline, I'm still (proud)—What people are like. Literally “even if I'm thin and withered”. 'For all my decline' (0 hits).
• koroshite mo shinanaitough as old boots—What people are like. Literally “won't die even if you kill them”. 'Tough as old boots' (0 hits).
• hanaji mo denaiflat broke, nothing left—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “not even a nosebleed comes out”. Flat broke (0).
• neru ma mo oshindeworking without sleep—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “begrudging even the time to sleep”. 'Even giving up sleep'. 0 hits.
• matta nashino more delay, now or never—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “no 'wait!'”. 'No more waiting, now or never'. 0 hits.
• kodomo no tsukaia useless errand-boy job—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a child's errand”. 'A useless errand-boy job'. 0 hits.
• denka no houtouone's trump card, last resort—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the family's treasured sword”. One's trump card (0); oku no te is commoner.
• namida o nomusuffer a bitter defeat, swallow disappointment—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “swallow tears”. Swallow a bitter defeat (0); sports news.
• honemi ni shimirube felt deeply (cold, kindness, a lesson)—Feelings & temper. Literally “soak into the bones”. Felt to the bone. No corpus hits. mi ni shimiru is the common one.
• ki de hana o kukurucurt, brusque (reply)—Getting on with people. Literally “tie your nose with wood”. A curt reply (0 hits, judged 2).
• on no jimore than good enough, I'd be happy with that—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the honourific 'on' character”. More than good enough (0 here); just below the line.
• kyuuryou dorobousomeone paid for doing nothing, a deadweight employee—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “salary thief”. 'A deadweight employee'. 0 hits.
• sotsu ga naidoes everything smoothly, can't be faulted (sometimes a bit too polished)—What people are like. Literally “there is no slip”. 'Does everything smoothly' (about 2 hits).
• oya no kataki mitai niwith a vengeance (eating, cleaning, scrubbing)—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “as if it were one's parents' killer”. 'With a vengeance' (eating, scrubbing). 0 hits.
• senaka o mite sodatsulearn by example from a parent or mentor—Getting on with people. Literally “grow up watching (someone's) back”. Learn by example (0 hits).
• ruisen ga yurumutear up easily—Feelings & temper. Literally “one's tear glands loosen”. Tearing up easily. No corpus hits.
• donburi kanjousloppy, rough-and-ready money management—What people are like. Literally “bowl accounting (cash kept loose in an apron pouch)”. 'Sloppy money management' (0 hits).
• udo no taibokubig but useless (person)—What people are like. Literally “a big udo stalk (too soft to be useful)”. 'Big but useless' (0 hits).

Bookish (146)

Mostly written, formal or literary; rare in conversation.

• jibou jikigiving up on oneself in despair47×Feelings & temper. Literally “self-violence, self-abandonment”. A formal four-character word. In speech people say yake ni naru. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kuchi o tsutsushimuwatch what one says42×Talking & listening. Literally “restrain one's mouth”. A stiff rebuke (kuchi o tsutsushime) from period drama and bosses; recognise it rather than say it.
• kokoro o ubaucaptivate (kokoro o ubawareru = be captivated)41×Feelings & temper. Literally “steal the heart”. 'Steal someone's heart'. Has a song-lyric and narration flavour.
• kodai mousoudelusions of grandeur38×Noticing & the mind. Literally “exaggerated delusion”. 'Delusions of grandeur'; mostly dubbing and narration.
• mato o irube spot on, right to the point37×Talking & listening. Literally “hit the target with an arrow”. Formal-sounding praise (mato o ita iken) for meetings and writing; in chat people say zuboshi or sono toori. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ware o wasurerulose oneself, get completely carried away32×Noticing & the mind. Literally “forget oneself”. 'Lose oneself'; mostly narration (31 hits), while people say muchuu ni natte.
• kokoro ni tomerukeep in mind32×Noticing & the mind. Literally “fasten in one's heart”. Formal 'keep in mind'.
• ma no atari ni suruwitness firsthand31×Noticing & the mind. Literally “bring right before the eyes”. Formal 'witness firsthand'.
• jimon jitouasking oneself over and over29×Noticing & the mind. Literally “self-question, self-answer”. 'Asking oneself'; mostly narration and monologue.
• kokoro o itamerube pained, grieve over29×Feelings & temper. Literally “hurt the heart”. A formal 'be pained by'.
• katazu o nomuwatch anxiously, holding one's breath28×Noticing & the mind. Literally “swallow tense saliva”. Narration's 'with bated breath'.
• iki o nomugasp; be breathtaking (iki o nomu hodo utsukushii)24×Feelings & temper. Literally “swallow the breath”. Mostly the written 'iki o nomu hodo utsukushii' (breathtakingly beautiful).
• jiki shousoupremature, too soon22×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the timing is still early”. Formal 'premature'; meeting-room language.
• me o miharube amazed (admiringly)20×Noticing & the mind. Literally “open the eyes wide and watch”. Narration's 'be amazed'.
• chi o waketaone's own (sibling, parent, child)19×Getting on with people. Literally “shared blood”. Flesh and blood (19 hits); written register.
• kokoro ga kayouconnect, understand each other17×Getting on with people. Literally “hearts pass back and forth”. Hearts connect (17 hits); more song lyric than talk.
• miru ni taenaitoo awful or embarrassing to watch16×Feelings & temper. Literally “can't bear to look”. A formal 'too awful to watch'.
• rounyaku nannyopeople of every age and both sexes, everyone16×Getting on with people. Literally “old, young, men, women”. Ad and announcement register (people of all ages).
• mirai eigouforever and ever, for all eternity15×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “future and eternal aeons”. Forever and ever (15).
• fuka kouryokuunavoidable, nobody's fault14×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a force that can't be resisted”. Unavoidable, nobody's fault (14); formal and legal.
• zunou meisekibrilliant, razor-sharp mind14×What people are like. Literally “brain clear and bright”. 'Brilliant mind' (14 hits); written-style.
• gongo doudanoutrageous, unforgivable13×Feelings & temper. Literally “the path of words is cut off”. A formal four-character word ('outrageous').
• ichiren takushousharing the same fate, all in it together13×Getting on with people. Literally “reborn together on one lotus”. Literary four-character phrase (judged 2).
• mune ga harisakerube heartbroken13×Feelings & temper. Literally “the chest bursts open”. A literary 'heartbroken'.
• senken no meiforesight13×What people are like. Literally “the brightness of seeing ahead”. 'Foresight' (13 hits); formal.
• hengen jizaiprotean, able to change at will12×What people are like. Literally “transform at will”. 'Protean' (12 hits); written-style.
• hinkou houseiwell-behaved, of exemplary conduct12×What people are like. Literally “conduct proper and upright”. 'Well-behaved' (12 hits); written-style.
• icchi danketsuunited, standing together11×Getting on with people. Literally “agreement and unity”. Speech and slogan register (11 hits, judged 2).
• umu o iwasazuforcibly, no questions asked11×Talking & listening. Literally “without letting (one) say yes or no”. Narration phrasing for 'forcibly'; 11 hits.
• youi shuutouwell-prepared, meticulous11×What people are like. Literally “preparation thorough”. 'Meticulous'; a formal four-character phrase (11 hits).
• gokuaku hidouheinous, utterly villainous11×What people are like. Literally “extremely evil and inhuman”. 'Heinous' (11 hits); written-style.
• gishin ankiparanoid suspicion of everyone10×Feelings & temper. Literally “a doubting heart sees demons in the dark”. A formal four-character word for paranoid suspicion.
• koutou mukeiabsurd, preposterous10×Talking & listening. Literally “wild and groundless”. A formal word for 'absurd'; 10 hits.
• kuchibi o kirube the first to speak, start things off9×Talking & listening. Literally “cut the fuse”. News-and-narration phrasing for 'kick things off'; 7 hits.
• shifuku o koyasuline one's own pockets, embezzle9×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “fatten one's private belly”. Line your own pockets (9); news style.
• ki ga jukusuthe time is right8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the moment ripens”. The time is ripe (8); formal.
• ikari shintouabsolutely furious7×Feelings & temper. Literally “anger at the top of the heart”. A formal four-character word. In speech you'd say atama ni kuru.
• butsugi o kamosucause a stir, be controversial7×Talking & listening. Literally “brew public debate”. News language for 'cause controversy'.
• hibuta o kirukick off (a contest)7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “open the firing-pan lid”. Kick off a contest (7); news style.
• ikkyoshu ittousokuevery single move someone makes7×Noticing & the mind. Literally “each raise of a hand, each step of a foot”. Written 'every move someone makes'.
• ukiashi datsuget jittery, lose one's composure7×Feelings & temper. Literally “feet rise off the ground”. A news-and-narration word for 'getting jittery'.
• hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazubetter to see it for yourself6×Noticing & the mind. Literally “hearing a hundred times is not worth seeing once”. A classical saying (seeing beats hearing); 5 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• jijitsu mukoncompletely unfounded6×Talking & listening. Literally “no root in fact”. News and press-release language for 'unfounded'.
• sanpi ryouronopinion is divided6×Talking & listening. Literally “for and against, both arguments”. News language for 'opinion is divided'.
• iki shouchindejected, crestfallen6×Feelings & temper. Literally “spirits extinguished and sunk”. A formal four-character word for 'crestfallen'.
• iki youyouin high spirits, triumphantly6×Feelings & temper. Literally “spirits raised high”. A formal four-character word for 'triumphant'.
• fuuzen no tomoshibion the brink of ruin6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a lamp before the wind”. On the brink of ruin (6); written style.
• mono tomo sezuundeterred by6×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “not treating it as anything”. A written-style 'undeterred by'. 6 hits.
• kachuu no kuri o hiroutake a risk for someone else's benefit6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “pick chestnuts from the fire”. Take a risk for someone else's gain (6).
• omoi o yoseruhave feelings for, secretly love6×Getting on with people. Literally “send one's thoughts toward”. Carry a torch for someone (6 hits); written register.
• taigi meibuna justification, a respectable pretext5×Talking & listening. Literally “great duty, proper name”. A formal word for a respectable pretext; 5 hits.
• ugou no shuua disorganised rabble5×What people are like. Literally “a flock of crows”. 'A rabble' (5 hits); written-style.
• bansaku tsukirurun out of options5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “ten thousand plans run out”. A written-style 'run out of options'. 5 hits.
• ittou ryoudandismiss or decide something decisively5×Talking & listening. Literally “cut in two with one stroke”. Formal four-character phrase for deciding something decisively; 5 hits.
• danchou no omoiheartbreaking (decision, choice)5×Feelings & temper. Literally “the feeling of torn intestines”. A formal 'heart-rending decision'.
• motte no hokaout of the question, outrageous4×Talking & listening. Literally “outside the bounds”. A formal 'out of the question'; 4 hits.
• tengai kodokuwith no family left in the world4×Getting on with people. Literally “heaven's edge, alone”. Literary four-character phrase (4 hits).
• fumin fukyuuworking round the clock4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “no sleep, no rest”. A written-style 'round the clock'. 4 hits.
• gori muchuucompletely at a loss, no idea where things stand4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “in fog for five ri”. Written 'completely in the dark'.
• anchuu mosakufeeling one's way without a clue4×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “groping in the dark”. A written-style 'groping in the dark'. 4 hits.
• shimen sokasurrounded by critics, no one on your side4×Getting on with people. Literally “songs of Chu on all four sides”. Classical four-character phrase (4 hits).
• kijou no kuurona plan that only works on paper4×Noticing & the mind. Literally “empty theory on a desk”. Written 'armchair theory'.
• miru ni mikaneteunable to stand by any longer4×Getting on with people. Literally “unable to bear watching”. Unable to just stand by (4 hits); written register.
• shiri shiyokuselfish interests, personal gain4×What people are like. Literally “private profit, private desire”. 'Personal gain' (4 hits); written-style.
• kyuushi ni isshou o eruto have a narrow escape from death3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “get one life out of nine deaths”. A narrow escape from death; written style.
• kouin ya no gotoshitime flies3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “time is like an arrow”. Time flies; classical.
• yuugen jikkoudo what you said you would3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “said and carried out”. A slogan-style 'do what you said you would'. 3 hits.
• yuuyuu jitekiliving a life of leisure (usually retired)3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “leisurely, suiting oneself”. A written-style 'leisurely retired life'. 3 hits.
• jinji o tsukushite tenmei o matsudo your best and leave the rest to fate3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “do all that people can, then wait for heaven's will”. A classical saying ('do your best, leave the rest to fate'). 3 hits.
• mayu o hisomerufrown on, disapprove3×Feelings & temper. Literally “knit the eyebrows”. A written 'frown on something'.
• taiki banseisomeone who succeeds later in life2×What people are like. Literally “great vessels take long to finish”. 'A late bloomer'; a written-style four-character phrase (2 hits).
• wazawai tenjite fuku to nasuturn bad luck into good2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “turn disaster around and make it fortune”. Turn bad luck into good; formal.
• shinan no wazanext to impossible2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a feat of utmost difficulty”. A written-style 'next to impossible'. 2 hits.
• gyofu no ria third party profits while two others fight2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the fisherman's profit”. A third party profits while two fight; classical.
• koshi tantanwatching and waiting for one's chance2×Noticing & the mind. Literally “a tiger's fixed glare”. Written 'waiting for one's chance'.
• hirou konpaiutterly exhausted2×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “fatigue and exhaustion”. A written-style 'utterly exhausted'. 2 hits.
• bushi wa kuwanedo takayoujikeeping up appearances even when broke2×What people are like. Literally “a samurai, though he hasn't eaten, picks his teeth”. 'Keeping up appearances when broke' (2 hits); old-fashioned.
• fugen jikkouact without talking about it2×What people are like. Literally “no words, carry out”. 'Act without talking' (2 hits); written-style.
• morote o agetewholeheartedly (agree, welcome)2×Getting on with people. Literally “raising both hands”. Wholeheartedly (2 hits, judged 2); written register.
• yamu ni yamarenuunavoidable, compelling (reasons)2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “can't stop even wanting to stop”. Unavoidable reasons (2); formal.
• chikuba no tomoa childhood friend2×Getting on with people. Literally “a bamboo-horse friend”. Childhood friend (2 hits); osananajimi is the everyday word.
• yo no tsunethat's how the world is2×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the constant of the world”. The way of the world (2).
• tamoto o wakatsupart ways, break with someone2×Getting on with people. Literally “split sleeves”. Part company (2 hits); written register.
• undei no saa huge difference1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the gap between cloud and mud”. Written 'a world of difference'; 1 hit.
• haisui no jina do-or-die stand with no way back1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a battle line with the river at one's back”. A military-history phrase for a do-or-die stand. 1 hit.
• ikki ichiyuuswinging between hope and worry at every change1×Feelings & temper. Literally “one joy, one worry”. A four-character word from written commentary.
• kido airakuone's emotions, the full range of feelings1×Feelings & temper. Literally “joy, anger, sorrow, pleasure”. A four-character word for 'the whole range of emotions'. Mostly written.
• ki o mite mori o mizumiss the big picture for the details1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “see the trees, not the forest”. 'Can't see the forest for the trees'; written.
• itchou issekiovernight (it can't be done overnight)1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one morning, one evening”. A written-style 'overnight' (itchou isseki ni wa dekinai). 1 hit.
• chototsu moushincharging ahead without thinking1×What people are like. Literally “boar's charge, fierce advance”. 'Charging ahead' (1 hit); written-style.
• boujaku bujinacting as if no one else exists, outrageously rude1×What people are like. Literally “as if no one were beside”. 'Outrageously rude' (1 hit); written-style.
• naijo no koua partner's behind-the-scenes support1×Getting on with people. Literally “merit of inner help”. Formal phrase (1 hit, judged 2).
• teki ni shio o okuruhelp a rival in trouble1×Getting on with people. Literally “send salt to the enemy”. Historical phrase (1 hit).
• kusaba no kagefrom the grave, in the next world1×Getting on with people. Literally “in the shade of the grass”. From the grave (1 hit); old-fashioned.
• hachiku no ikioiunstoppable momentum1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the force of splitting bamboo”. Unstoppable momentum (1); news style.
• shita o makube deeply impressed1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “roll up one's tongue”. Written 'be deeply impressed'; 1 hit.
• oite wa ko ni shitagaein old age, let your children decide1×Getting on with people. Literally “when old, obey your children”. Old saying (1 hit, judged 2).
• ikiuma no me o nukucut-throat, ruthlessly quick to take advantage1×What people are like. Literally “pull out the eye of a living horse”. 'Cut-throat' (1 hit); written-style.
• kouji ma ooshiwhen things go well, watch out for trouble1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “good things have many devils”. Good times invite trouble (1).
• iwazu to shiretathe one and only, famous1×Talking & listening. Literally “known without saying”. Narration phrasing for 'the famous one'; 1 hit.
• gu no kocchouthe height of stupidity1×What people are like. Literally “the summit of folly”. 'The height of stupidity' (1 hit); formal.
• isseki o toujirustir up debate1×Talking & listening. Literally “throw a stone”. News phrasing for 'stir up debate'; 1 hit.
• tegusune hikube waiting eagerly, lying in wait1×Noticing & the mind. Literally “pull on the gloved bowstring”. Written 'lie in wait'.
• sensen kyoukyouon edge with dread1×Feelings & temper. Literally “trembling, trembling, fearing, fearing”. A formal four-character word for 'on tenterhooks'.
• iwanu ga hanasome things are better left unsaid—Talking & listening. Literally “not saying is the flower”. A literary saying; 0 hits.
• ichiji ga banjihow someone handles one thing shows how they handle everything—What people are like. Literally “one thing is ten thousand things”. A written-style saying (0 hits).
• suki koso mono no jouzu nareyou get good at what you love—What people are like. Literally “liking is exactly what makes you skilled”. Classical grammar, quoted more than said (0 hits).
• saiou ga umaluck is unpredictable; bad can turn out good and good bad—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the old frontier man's horse”. Luck turns unpredictably; a classical allusion rarely said aloud.
• harawata ga niekurikaeruseething with rage—Feelings & temper. Literally “the guts boil over”. A literary 'seething'. No corpus hits.
• kuniku no sakua desperate last-ditch measure—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “a plan of bitter flesh”. A written-style 'desperate last measure'. 0 hits.
• myouri ni tsukirunothing could make me happier (as a teacher, cook...)—Feelings & temper. Literally “run out of blessings”. A formal 'nothing could make me happier' for speeches.
• katte kabuto no o o shimeyodon't relax after a win—Noticing & the mind. Literally “having won, tighten your helmet cord”. Classical 'don't relax after a win'.
• ryouyaku wa kuchi ni nigashigood advice is hard to hear—Talking & listening. Literally “good medicine is bitter in the mouth”. A classical saying; 0 hits.
• kunshi ayauki ni chikayorazusteer clear of trouble—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a wise man does not approach danger”. Steer clear of trouble; classical.
• shu ni majiwareba akaku naruyou become like the company you keep—Getting on with people. Literally “mix with vermilion and you turn red”. Classical saying, rarely said aloud.
• ato wa no to nare yama to narewhatever happens afterwards, I don't care—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “afterwards, let it become field or mountain”. Whatever happens after, I don't care; old-fashioned.
• gei wa mi o tasukerua skill can save you in hard times—What people are like. Literally “skills save the body”. A written-style saying (0 hits).
• sendou ooku shite fune yama ni noborutoo many bosses ruin a project—Getting on with people. Literally “with many boatmen, the boat climbs a mountain”. Long classical saying, rarely said aloud.
• ten wa nibutsu o ataezunobody gets every talent—What people are like. Literally “heaven does not grant two gifts”. A written-style saying (0 hits).
• shoshin wasuru bekarazunever forget your beginner's spirit—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the beginner's mind must not be forgotten”. A classical motto ('keep your beginner's spirit'). 0 hits.
• sessa takumarivals pushing each other to improve—Getting on with people. Literally “cutting, filing, carving, polishing”. Speech and essay register (0 hits).
• meian o wakerudecide success or failure—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “divide light from dark”. Decide success or failure; news style.
• gotabun ni morezulike everyone else, as is typical—Noticing & the mind. Literally “not leaking out of the majority”. Written 'like everyone else'.
• sui mo amai mo kamiwaketaworldly-wise, experienced in life—What people are like. Literally “having chewed both the sour and the sweet”. 'Worldly-wise' (0 hits); written-style.
• hara ni suekanerube too angry to let it go—Feelings & temper. Literally “can't settle it in the belly”. A formal 'too angry to let it go'.
• hakusha o kakeruaccelerate, make worse or faster—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “apply the spurs”. Speed something up; written style.
• hatarakazaru mono kuu bekarazuif you don't pitch in, you don't eat—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one who does not work shall not eat”. A classical 'no work, no food'. 0 hits.
• tsumi o nikunde hito o nikumazucondemn the act but not the person—Getting on with people. Literally “hate the crime, not the person”. A moral maxim, rarely said aloud.
• koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezuyou have to take risks to get results—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “if you don't enter the tiger's den you won't get its cub”. Take risks to get results; classical.
• teki wa honnouji ni arithe real target is something else—Noticing & the mind. Literally “the enemy is at Honnoji”. Historical saying; 0 hits.
• sumajiki mono wa miyazukaebeing an employee is a thankless lot—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the thing one should not do is serve a master”. A classical grumble about being an employee. 0 hits.
• danshi chuubou ni irazucooking isn't a man's job (old view)—What people are like. Literally “men do not enter the kitchen”. 'Men stay out of the kitchen' (0 hits); old classical phrasing.
• ichinen no kei wa gantan ni aristart the year with a plan—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the year's plan lies in New Year's Day”. A New Year's motto. 0 hits.
• shunmin akatsuki o oboezuin spring you can't wake up—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “spring sleep doesn't notice the dawn”. A classical Chinese poem line. 0 hits.
• en wa ina mono aji na monoit's funny how people are brought together—Getting on with people. Literally “fate (between people) is strange and charming”. Old-fashioned saying (0 hits).
• monzen no kozou narawanu kyou o yomuyou pick things up just by being around them—Noticing & the mind. Literally “the boy at the temple gate reads sutras he wasn't taught”. Long classical saying; 0 hits.
• minoru hodo koube o tareru inaho kanathe more accomplished, the more humble—What people are like. Literally “the riper the rice, the lower its head hangs”. 'The more accomplished, the more humble' (0 hits); poem-like.
• saishoku kenbibeautiful and brilliant—What people are like. Literally “talent and looks both possessed”. 'Beauty and brains' (0 hits); written-style.
• shoshi kantetsusee your original goal through—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “carry through the first will”. A written-style 'see your goal through'. 0 hits.
• aoiki toikiin dire straits, gasping—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “pale breath, sighing breath”. A written-style 'in dire straits'. 0 hits.
• jita tomo ni mitomerurecognised by everyone, oneself included—What people are like. Literally “acknowledged by oneself and others”. 'Recognised by everyone' (0 hits); written-style.
• shitatsuzumi o utsusmack one's lips over good food—Feelings & temper. Literally “beat the tongue drum”. A written 'smack your lips over good food'.
• toukaku o arawasustand out, come to prominence—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “show the tip of one's horns”. Come to prominence; written style.
• tazan no ishisomeone else's mistake to learn from—Noticing & the mind. Literally “a stone from another mountain”. Written 'a lesson from others' mistakes'; 0 hits.
• seijin kunshia saint, a paragon of virtue—What people are like. Literally “sage and gentleman”. 'A saint' (0 hits); written-style.
• manshin souibattered all over, worn to the bone—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “whole body covered in wounds”. A written-style 'battered all over'. 0 hits.

Literal (64)

Means what the words say, so it belongs with the collocations.

• koi ni ochirufall in love247×Getting on with people. Literally “fall into love”. Plain 'fall in love'; a film-heavy collocation, cut from that list.
• tayori ni narureliable, dependable (tayori ni suru = count on someone)179×Getting on with people. Literally “become a reliance”. Plain 'be reliable' (179 hits); a collocation (cut from that list), not an idiom. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• sou wa ikanainot so fast; that won't work (this time)161×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “it doesn't go that way”. Not so fast (142), but plain words: it doesn't go that way. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ki o ushinaufaint, pass out145×Feelings & temper. Literally “lose the spirit”. Just 'faint'. ishiki o ushinau is already in the collocation list. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• atama o sagerubow; apologise; humbly ask141×Getting on with people. Literally “lower the head”. Literally bow your head to apologise or ask; cut from the collocation list, not figurative.
• jitsu o iu toto tell the truth, actually105×Talking & listening. Literally “if I say the truth”. Means just what it says; the versatility list's jitsu wa already does this job.
• ippai yaruhave a drink (together)100×Getting on with people. Literally “do one cup”. Just 'have a drink'; the collocation list already has ippai nomu. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• souzou mo tsukanaiunimaginable, I can't even imagine95×Noticing & the mind. Literally “imagination doesn't even attach”. Literally 'can't even imagine'; transparent, like souzou dekinai.
• atama o tsukauuse your head, think it through88×Noticing & the mind. Literally “use the head”. Means just what it says, 'use your head'; nothing to learn beyond the words. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• me o sorasulook away; avoid facing (genjitsu kara me o sorasu)82×Noticing & the mind. Literally “turn the eyes aside”. Mostly literal 'look away' (me o sorasanaide = look at me). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• me o mukeruturn one's attention to; face (genjitsu ni me o mukeru)82×Noticing & the mind. Literally “turn the eyes”. Literally 'turn one's eyes to'.
• shinpai muyouno need to worry72×Feelings & temper. Literally “worry unnecessary”. Just 'no need to worry'. shinpai is already in the versatility list.
• kane ni narupay, be profitable (kane ni naranai = there's no money in it)54×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “becomes money”. Make money, be profitable; plain words (101), not an idiom.
• chikara o ireruput effort into, focus on (shigoto ni chikara o ireru)47×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “put in strength”. 'Put effort into' is barely figurative. It reads as plain 'put strength in'.
• muri o iuask too much, make unreasonable demands (muri iwanaide)46×Getting on with people. Literally “say the unreasonable”. Plain 'ask the impossible' (muri iwanaide); a collocation, cut from that list.
• te ga tarinaibe short-handed43×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “not enough hands”. Here te just means 'workers'. The usual way to say short-staffed is hitode ga tarinai. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• issho ni shinaidedon't lump me in with them, I'm not like that42×Getting on with people. Literally “don't make (me) together (with them)”. Plain grammar (issho ni suru = lump together), not an idiom.
• sore wa sore dethat's fine in its own way (sore wa sore de ii)41×Talking & listening. Literally “that, as that”. Plain grammar ('that, in its own way'); common (41), so learn it as a phrase, but it isn't an idiom. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• joucho fuanteiemotionally unstable, all over the place37×Feelings & temper. Literally “emotions unstable”. Plain compound noun, 'emotionally unstable'.
• te o kuwaerualter, touch up, tamper with (a file, a recipe, a photo)32×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “add a hand”. Just means 'alter, modify'. It isn't really figurative.
• banji junchoueverything's going fine, all on track32×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “all matters going smoothly”. Everything's going fine; plain words (32), not really an idiom.
• hitotsu yane no shitaliving under the same roof31×Getting on with people. Literally “under one roof”. Just 'under one roof'; says what it means.
• yokkyuu fumanfrustrated, pent-up (often sexually)30×Feelings & temper. Literally “desires unsatisfied”. Plain compound noun, 'frustration'.
• miugoki ga torenaibe stuck, tied up, unable to act28×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “can't move the body”. Often just literally 'can't move', so the 'tied up' sense is a light extension.
• jishin kajouoverconfident, cocky26×What people are like. Literally “self-confidence in excess”. 'Overconfident'; the words mean just what they say (26 hits).
• kuchi o tozasuclam up, refuse to talk23×Talking & listening. Literally “shut the mouth”. A near twin of kuchi o tojiru, which is in the collocation list.
• jiko manzokudone just for one's own satisfaction; self-indulgent23×What people are like. Literally “self satisfaction”. 'Just for your own satisfaction'; the words mean just what they say (23 hits).
• chuumoku no matothe centre of attention23×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the target of attention”. Literally 'the target of attention'.
• kao mo mitakunainever want to see you again22×Feelings & temper. Literally “don't even want to see the face”. Means exactly what it says: 'I don't even want to see your face'.
• sumi kara sumi madeevery nook and cranny, inside out22×Noticing & the mind. Literally “from corner to corner”. Literally 'from corner to corner', said of searching or cleaning.
• atama ni irerukeep in mind, memorise21×Noticing & the mind. Literally “put it into the head”. Literally 'put it in your head', i.e. keep in mind or memorise; transparent.
• ana o umerucover a gap (a missing worker, a shortfall)21×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “fill the hole”. Most hits are literal hole-filling or 'fill in the blank'. 'Cover a gap' is only a small extension.
• hou ni furerube against the law21×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “touch the law”. Be against the law; plain words.
• hanashi ga tsuujiruget through to someone (hanashi ga tsuujinai = you can't reason with them)20×Talking & listening. Literally “talk gets through”. Near-literal 'gets through to'; kotoba ga tsuujiru is in the collocation list.
• jiko ken'odisgusted with oneself20×Feelings & temper. Literally “self-loathing”. Plain compound noun, 'self-loathing'.
• ichi kara yarinaosustart over from scratch19×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “redo from one”. Redo from one, from scratch; plain words rather than an idiom.
• mimi ga tooibe hard of hearing19×Talking & listening. Literally “your ears are far away”. Hard of hearing; it's already in the collocation list.
• isshou ni ichidoonce in a lifetime19×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “once in a lifetime”. Once in a lifetime; plain words.
• kotoba o erabuchoose your words carefully16×Talking & listening. Literally “choose words”. Means just what it says (choose your words).
• sakete toorenaiunavoidable, something you have to face16×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “can't pass by avoiding it”. Means just what it says: 'can't be avoided'.
• kimochi o kirikaerumove on, reset your mindset15×Feelings & temper. Literally “switch over one's feelings”. A literal 'switch your feelings'. Nothing figurative to learn. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• shihou happouin every direction, everywhere15×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “four directions, eight directions”. Just means 'in every direction'.
• jiman ja nai kedoI'm not proud of it, but (self-deprecating)12×Talking & listening. Literally “it's not boasting, but”. Means just what it says ('it's not a boast, but').
• michi ga hirakerua way forward opens up12×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the road opens up”. A way forward opens up; close to plain words (12).
• karada de oboerulearn by doing, learn hands-on9×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “remember with the body”. Means just what it says: 'learn it with your body'.
• uwasa ga tatsurumours start going around9×Talking & listening. Literally “a rumour stands up”. Means just what it says (a rumour starts).
• rekishi wa kurikaesuhistory repeats itself8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “history repeats”. History repeats itself; plain words.
• jiishiki kajoutoo self-conscious, thinking everyone is watching you8×What people are like. Literally “excess of self-awareness”. 'Too self-conscious'; the words mean just what they say (8 hits).
• jikan ga kaiketsu shite kurerutime will heal it7×Feelings & temper. Literally “time will solve it for you”. Means exactly what it says: 'time will sort it out'.
• ippo machigaebaone false move and it could have been a disaster7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “if one step goes wrong”. One false move and it could have been bad; plain words.
• jikan ga kaiketsu surutime will heal it7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “time solves it”. Time will solve it; plain words.
• atama ni hairanaiit won't sink in6×Noticing & the mind. Literally “it won't go into the head”. Literally 'it won't go into my head'; transparent.
• koe ga kakaruget invited, be asked or scouted6×Getting on with people. Literally “a voice gets hung on you”. Get invited or asked; the receiving side of the collocation list's koe o kakeru.
• hanashi ga hazumuthe conversation flows easily6×Talking & listening. Literally “the talk bounces”. A plain collocation; the collocation list's hanashi ga moriagaru says the same.
• fuhei fumancomplaints, grumbling6×Talking & listening. Literally “unfairness and discontent”. Just two words for complaints; nothing figurative.
• nomazu kuwazuwithout food or water6×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “without drinking, without eating”. Just means 'without eating or drinking'.
• karada ga iu koto o kikanaimy body won't cooperate5×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the body won't listen to what I say”. Means just what it says: 'my body won't do what I tell it'.
• yokomichi ni soreruget sidetracked, digress4×Talking & listening. Literally “veer off onto a side road”. Digressing; the collocation list's hanashi ga soreru says the same.
• iki o korosuhold one's breath, keep dead quiet3×Noticing & the mind. Literally “kill one's breath”. Literally 'hold one's breath'.
• tsukiai ga waruinever comes out with you, a party pooper (tsukiai ga ii = always up for it)2×Getting on with people. Literally “the socializing is bad”. Plain words (tsukiai + warui = never joins in); says what it means.
• me ga waratte naismiling but clearly angry1×Feelings & temper. Literally “the eyes aren't laughing”. Just describes what you see: 'his eyes aren't smiling'.
• koto to shidai ni yotte wadepending on how things turn out (a warning)1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “depending on the matter and circumstances”. Depending on how things go; plain formal words.
• kyodou fushinacting shifty or nervous, looking suspicious1×Feelings & temper. Literally “behaviour suspicious”. Plain compound, 'acting suspicious'. Only 1 hit.
• eeru o okurucheer someone on, send encouragement—Getting on with people. Literally “send a cheer”. Just 'send a cheer'; says what it means.

Single words (47)

One word, not an idiom.

• hatsumiminews to me, first I've heard98×Talking & listening. Literally “first ear”. One word (hatsumimi = news to me), very common (98) and worth learning as vocabulary. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• ittai zentaiwhat on earth, what in the world78×Noticing & the mind. Literally “one body, whole body”. Just a stronger ittai (what on earth); learn ittai.
• otagaisamawe all need help sometimes74×Getting on with people. Literally “mutual (honorific)”. One word (otagai-sama), a stock social reply; very common, learn it as vocabulary. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• yatterarenaiI can't take this anymore; this is ridiculous50×Feelings & temper. Literally “can't keep doing (this)”. One inflected verb (yatte rarenai, 'I can't take this'). Learn it as a word. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• oboeteroyou'll pay for this (a parting threat)48×Getting on with people. Literally “remember (this)”. One verb form (you'll pay for this), a parting threat.
• on shirazuungrateful (person), ingrate47×Getting on with people. Literally “not knowing a favour”. One noun (an ingrate); learn it as vocabulary. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• shiodokithe right time to quit or move on46×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the turn of the tide”. One word (time to quit or move on).
• inochibiroi suruhave a narrow escape44×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “pick your life back up”. One word, inochibiroi (a narrow escape); kiki ippatsu covers the idea.
• ichimon nashiflat broke, penniless36×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “without a single mon (old coin)”. One word (penniless, 36).
• yatsuatari surutake your anger out on others33×Feelings & temper. Literally “strike out in all eight directions”. yatsuatari is one noun ('taking it out on others'). It's useful, but learn it as a word. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• tsutsunukeoverheard, leaked (zenbu tsutsunuke da yo = everyone heard everything)31×Talking & listening. Literally “through the pipe”. One word (tsutsunuke = overheard, leaked).
• setogiwaon the brink28×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the edge of the strait”. One word (on the brink).
• shiramitsubushigoing through everything one by one27×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “crushing lice one by one”. A single noun for 'going through everything one by one'. Learn it as vocabulary.
• zuboshispot on (zuboshi? = I've got you, haven't I)26×Talking & listening. Literally “the bullseye”. One word (zuboshi = spot on, you got me); learn it as vocabulary.
• dotanbathe last minute (dotanba de = at the eleventh hour)25×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the execution mound”. One word (the last minute); common but out of scope.
• shurabaan ugly scene (esp. when a partner and a lover clash); a hellish crunch24×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the Asura battlefield”. One word (an ugly scene, a hellish crunch); common but out of scope.
• mato hazureoff the mark, beside the point22×Noticing & the mind. Literally “off the target”. matohazure is one word, 'off the mark'.
• shounenbathe crunch, the make-or-break moment21×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the place of true resolve”. A single noun for 'crunch time' (koko ga shounenba da). Learn it as vocabulary.
• shibai o suruput on an act, pretend (hitoshibai utsu = stage a ruse)19×Talking & listening. Literally “do a play”. The word shibai ('an act, a show') carries it; suru is plain.
• sujigane irihardcore, through and through (a hardcore fan, stubborn to the core)17×What people are like. Literally “steel-reinforced”. One word (sujigane-iri, 'hardcore'); 17 hits.
• herikutsu o koneruquibble, make lame excuses15×Talking & listening. Literally “knead fart-logic”. The word herikutsu (lame excuse) carries it (herikutsu iu na). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• imishinloaded, suggestive (a remark with a hidden meaning)14×Talking & listening. Literally “meaning-deep”. One slang word (imishin = suggestive, loaded).
• haji sarashia disgrace (to the family or team)14×Getting on with people. Literally “exposing shame”. One noun (a disgrace), a rough insult.
• tsunawataria risky balancing act (money, schedule)14×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “tightrope walking”. One word (a risky balancing act).
• kusare ena relationship you can't shake12×Getting on with people. Literally “a rotten bond”. One noun (a relationship you can't shake off); learn it as vocabulary.
• karamawaritrying hard but getting nowhere (yaruki ga karamawari suru)12×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “spinning idle”. A single noun/verb for 'spinning your wheels'. Learn it as vocabulary.
• mizukusaidistant, standoffish (mizukusai na = why didn't you tell me? we're friends)11×Getting on with people. Literally “smells watery”. One adjective (why so distant?); common, learn it as vocabulary.
• kageguchi o iubadmouth someone when they're not there9×Talking & listening. Literally “say shadow-mouth”. The word kageguchi (backbiting) carries the meaning; iu just means 'say'. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• jigokumimisomeone who overhears everything9×What people are like. Literally “hell ears”. One word for 'someone who overhears everything'.
• ohakoyour signature act, your go-to (karaoke song, dish)9×What people are like. Literally “number eighteen”. One word ('your signature act').
• guchi o kobosugrumble, vent complaints8×Talking & listening. Literally “spill grumbles”. The word guchi (grumbling) carries it; people mostly say guchi o iu.
• hipparidakoin great demand, everyone wants them8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “an octopus stretched out (to dry)”. One word (in great demand).
• nimaijitadouble-talk, saying different things to different people7×Talking & listening. Literally “two tongues”. One word (nimaijita = double-talk).
• itachigokkoan endless back-and-forth with no progress7×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “weasel tag”. One word (an endless back-and-forth).
• oobanburumailavish treating, splashing out5×Getting on with people. Literally “a big-tray feast”. One noun (a lavish treat); learn it as vocabulary.
• nakineirilet an injustice go unchallenged4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “cry yourself to sleep”. One word (let an injustice go).
• tsukkomi o irerujokingly point out the absurdity, call someone out4×Talking & listening. Literally “put in a tsukkomi (the comedy straight man's jab)”. The word tsukkomi (calling out the joke) carries it.
• ichiyazukecramming the night before3×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “overnight pickling”. A plain noun for last-night cramming. Learn it as vocabulary. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• unaginoborirising sharply3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “an eel climbing”. One word (rising sharply).
• nuka yorokobigetting excited over good news that turns out false2×Feelings & temper. Literally “rice-bran joy”. nukayorokobi (premature joy) is one noun, not a phrase.
• nekojitacan't handle hot food or drinks1×What people are like. Literally “cat tongue”. One word ('cat tongue'); common, but a single word. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• betsubaraalways room for dessert1×What people are like. Literally “separate stomach”. One word ('separate stomach' for dessert); common, but a single word. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• tanuki neiripretending to be asleep1×Getting on with people. Literally “badger sleep”. One compound noun (pretend sleep); learn it as vocabulary.
• mizukakeronan argument with no resolution1×Talking & listening. Literally “a water-splashing argument”. One word (mizukakeron = an argument nobody wins).
• kuro rekishian embarrassing past—Feelings & temper. Literally “black history”. Internet-slang noun for an embarrassing past. Learn it as a word.
• kuwazu giraidislike something without having tried it—What people are like. Literally “disliking without eating”. One word (kuwazugirai, disliking without trying); common, but a single word. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• uchibenkeibold at home but timid outside—What people are like. Literally “a Benkei (mighty warrior) at home”. One word ('bold only at home').

Narrow (71)

Only useful in one situation.

• ome ni kakarumeet (humble): ome ni kakarete kouei desu = an honour to meet you128×Getting on with people. Literally “hang on (your) honourable eyes”. Humble keigo for 'meet'; learn it with keigo.
• seki o hazusustep away (from one's desk or the room); give people some privacy110×Getting on with people. Literally “remove (oneself from) the seat”. Mostly the office phone formula (seki o hazushite orimasu). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• te no uchi o miserureveal one's plan or tricks67×Talking & listening. Literally “show the inside of one's hand”. Mostly about games, negotiations and sports tactics (te no uchi wa misenai).
• nozomu tokoro daI accept your challenge46×Feelings & temper. Literally “it's the very thing I wish for”. A line for accepting a challenge or duel. Film subtitles over-count it.
• ki o shikkari motsustay strong, hold it together44×Feelings & temper. Literally “hold your mind firmly”. Mostly the emergency line 'stay with me!' said to someone who's hurt or in shock.
• haji o shirehave you no shame!44×Feelings & temper. Literally “know shame”. A one-purpose rebuke, 'have you no shame!', and over-counted in drama.
• ashi ga tsukube traced (back to you)32×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “feet get attached”. Be traced back to you; crime talk (32).
• toki no hitothe person everyone's talking about27×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the person of the moment”. The person in the news.
• tada ja okanaiyou'll pay for this, I won't let you get away with it26×Feelings & temper. Literally “won't leave (you) for free”. A villain's threat ('you'll pay for this'). Over-counted by films.
• mondou muyouno arguing, no discussion23×Talking & listening. Literally “questions and answers not needed”. A dramatic 'no arguing!' from action and period drama; 23 hits.
• ichimou dajinto round up the whole gang at once22×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “catch them all with one net”. Round up the whole gang (22); police talk.
• omotezata ni narucome out into the open21×Talking & listening. Literally “become a public affair”. A scandal coming out into the open; 20 hits.
• mi ni oboe ga naideny any part in it, know nothing about it19×Noticing & the mind. Literally “no memory of it in the body”. Only for denying an accusation (I know nothing about it); 19 hits.
• te ga hanareru(kids) need less looking after18×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “(the child) leaves one's hands”. Mostly used to mean that a child no longer needs constant looking after.
• te ga suberudo by accident (often as an excuse)17×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “one's hand slips”. Do by accident, mostly an excuse for a slip of the hand (16).
• yami ni houmuruhush up, cover up17×Talking & listening. Literally “bury in darkness”. Hushing up a crime or scandal, mostly plot talk; 17 hits.
• ashi o nobasugo a bit further on a trip16×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “extend one's legs”. Only means going a bit further on a trip (Kyouto made ashi o nobasu).
• manjou icchiunanimously16×Getting on with people. Literally “the whole hall agreeing”. Only for a unanimous vote at a meeting.
• oteyawaraka nigo easy on me15×Getting on with people. Literally “with soft hands”. Only said before a game or match (oteyawaraka ni onegai shimasu).
• monuke no karaempty, the person has already gone15×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the shed skin left behind”. Already gone when you get there (15); mostly raids in cop shows.
• monogokoro ga tsukube old enough to understand things (monogokoro tsuita koro kara = for as long as I can remember)15×Noticing & the mind. Literally “a mind for things attaches”. Only for childhood memories (monogokoro tsuita koro kara); 15 hits.
• ura o torucheck, corroborate (a story or alibi)15×Noticing & the mind. Literally “take the back side”. Police or journalist checking a story or alibi.
• nemawashi o surulay the groundwork informally before a decision15×Getting on with people. Literally “dig around the roots”. Business jargon (nemawashi): groundwork before a decision.
• seishin seiiin all sincerity, wholeheartedly14×Getting on with people. Literally “sincere heart, sincere intent”. Formal apology register (seishin seii taiou shimasu).
• genba o osaerucatch red-handed13×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “hold down the scene”. Catch red-handed; crime talk (13).
• icchou agaridone! (one more job finished)10×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “one order up”. A cook's 'order up!' call, used jokingly for a finished job.
• gotai manzokuhealthy and whole, with nothing wrong10×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “all five body parts satisfied”. Healthy and whole; mostly about newborns.
• iro o tsukeruadd a little extra (money, a discount, a bonus)9×Getting on with people. Literally “add colour”. Mostly asking for a discount or a little extra (iro o tsukete).
• hakoiri musumea sheltered daughter9×What people are like. Literally “a daughter kept in a box”. Only about a sheltered daughter (9 hits).
• kuiji ga harube greedy about food9×What people are like. Literally “eating-stubbornness is stretched”. Only about greed for food (9 hits).
• shinin ni kuchi nashithe dead can't tell their side or testify8×Talking & listening. Literally “the dead have no mouth”. A crime-plot saying (dead men tell no tales); 8 hits.
• messou mo naioh no, not at all! (a humble denial)8×Talking & listening. Literally “no absurdity at all”. A humble 'oh no, not at all' for very polite talk; 12 hits.
• medetashi medetashiand they all lived happily ever after; so that all worked out8×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “happy, happy”. And they lived happily ever after; story endings.
• hon no mushisomeone always reading7×What people are like. Literally “a book bug”. 'A bookworm'; only about heavy readers (7 hits).
• shakai no madothe fly of one's trousers7×Noticing & the mind. Literally “the window to society”. Only a joke about an open fly; 7 hits.
• yubikiri genmanpinky promise7×Talking & listening. Literally “finger-cut, ten thousand fist blows”. Children's pinky-promise chant; 3 hits.
• bakudan o kakaeruhave a lurking problem (chronic injury, hidden risk)6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “carry a bomb”. Carry a lurking problem, mostly an injury (6).
• hara o kirutake the fall, resign to take responsibility6×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “cut one's belly”. Take the fall, resign to take responsibility (6).
• shio o makuthrow salt after an unwelcome visitor (good riddance)5×Getting on with people. Literally “scatter salt”. Throwing salt after an unwelcome visitor.
• ashi ga derugo over budget4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the legs stick out”. Go over budget; a narrow money use (3).
• sanzu no kawadeath's door4×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the River of Three Crossings (Styx)”. The river of the dead; near-death talk.
• seki o ireruget legally married3×Getting on with people. Literally “enter (someone) into the family register”. Only for registering a marriage. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• migikata agaristeadily rising3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “rising to the right shoulder”. Steadily rising; graphs and sales.
• daikon yakushaa terrible actor; also teasing for a bad liar3×What people are like. Literally “radish actor”. Mostly about bad actors (3 hits).
• kazetooshi ga iiopen, easy to talk in (a workplace, a team)3×Getting on with people. Literally “well ventilated”. Workplace jargon for an open team.
• honno kimochijust a small token (of thanks)2×Getting on with people. Literally “just a feeling”. Gift-giving formula (honno kimochi desu ga). 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hoppe ga ochiruit's so delicious2×Feelings & temper. Literally “my cheeks will fall off”. Only used to praise food. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• kuchi ga koeruhave a refined, picky palate2×What people are like. Literally “mouth grows fat”. Only about having a refined palate (1 to 2 hits).
• tane mo shikake mo naino trick to it, all above board2×Talking & listening. Literally “no seed and no device”. The magician's 'nothing up my sleeve'; 2 hits.
• dai wa shou o kanerubigger is more versatile; better too big than too small1×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “the large doubles as the small”. Mostly said when choosing sizes ('better too big than too small').
• oute o kakerube one win away from victory1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “put (the king) in check”. One win from victory; shogi and sports talk.
• abura ga norube in one's prime (and of fish: at its tastiest)1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the fat is on”. In one's prime; mostly said of fish.
• chabashira ga tatsua sign of good luck1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a tea stalk stands upright”. A tea stalk floating upright, a lucky sign.
• ashi no fumiba mo naiso messy you can't walk—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “not even a place to step”. Only used for a room so messy you can't walk. 0 hits.
• nokorimono ni wa fuku ga aruthe last one left may be the lucky one—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “leftovers have luck”. The last one may be lucky; said only when taking the last piece. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• hashi ga susumucan't stop eating (it's so good)—Feelings & temper. Literally “chopsticks advance”. Only used about food you can't stop eating. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• neko no hitaia tiny patch of space—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a cat's forehead”. A tiny patch of land; only about small yards and plots.
• teishu kanpakua domineering husband—What people are like. Literally “the husband as regent”. Only about a domineering husband (0 hits).
• usotsuki wa dorobou no hajimarilying leads to stealing (said to children)—Talking & listening. Literally “a liar is the beginning of a thief”. Said to children about lying; 0 hits.
• hara hachibunmeeat until you're about 80% full; don't overeat—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “belly eight-tenths”. Only about not overeating. 0 hits. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• karasu no gyouzuia very quick bath—What people are like. Literally “a crow's bath”. Only about very quick baths (0 hits).
• kodomo wa kaze no kokids are fine playing out in the cold—What people are like. Literally “children are children of the wind”. Only about kids playing in the cold (0 hits).
• yama o harubet on what will come up (on a test)—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “stake out the mountain”. Bet on what will come up on a test.
• tabete sugu neru to ushi ni narudon't lie down right after eating—Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “eat and lie down and you'll become a cow”. Only a nag about lying down after meals.
• gunbai ga agarube declared the winner—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the referee's fan goes up”. Be declared the winner; sumo talk.
• kaze wa manbyou no motodon't neglect a cold—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a cold is the source of ten thousand illnesses”. Don't neglect a cold; only about colds.
• atsusa samusa mo higan madethe heat (or cold) will ease after the equinox—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “heat and cold too last until the equinox”. The heat or cold eases after the equinox; seasonal small talk only.
• ataru mo hakke ataranu mo hakkefortune-telling may or may not come true—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “right is divination, wrong is divination”. Fortune-telling may or may not come true.
• mune o karirutake on a stronger opponent to learn—Getting on with people. Literally “borrow someone's chest”. Sports: train against a stronger opponent.
• mimi o soroerupay in full—Getting on with people. Literally “line up the edges”. Only for paying money back in full.
• kawa no ji de nerusleep side by side, parents with the child between them—Getting on with people. Literally “sleep in the shape of 川”. Only for parents sleeping either side of a child.

Other (21)

Dropped in review.

• mendou o mirulook after, take care of (kids, pets, juniors)571×Getting on with people. Literally “see to the bother”. Already in 21-list-collocations.json (c-mendou-o-miru); all four reviewers cut it as a repeated collocation. ki ni kakeru and sewa ga yakeru now cover looking after people. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
• baka ni surumake fun of, look down on526×Getting on with people. Literally “make (someone) a fool”. Already in 21-list-collocations.json (c-baka-ni-suru); all four reviewers cut it as a repeated collocation. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
• haji o kakuembarrass oneself, be humiliated145×Feelings & temper. Literally “scratch up shame”. All four reviewers: already a kept collocation (c-haji-o-kaku) with the same example, and the brief says never repeat collocations. alsoIn now points to it from ana ga attara hairitai. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
• kakko tsukerushow off, try to look cool84×What people are like. Literally “attach a look”. Already in the collocation list as c-kakkou-o-tsukeru ('kakko tsukeru', with the same example kakko tsukenakute ii yo), and the brief says never to repeat one. The register and form reviewers both cut it. Showing off is now covered by mie o haru. 3 of 3 judges kept it.
• jikan o tsubusukill time51×Effort, ease & difficulty. Literally “crush time”. Already in 21-list-collocations as c-jikan-o-tsubusu (kill time), and the idiom list must never repeat collocation sets. All four reviewers cut it. jikan o kasegu now points to it through alsoIn and its use line. 2 of 3 judges kept it.
• soudan ni noruhear someone out about a problem, give advice47×Getting on with people. Literally “ride on a consultation”. Already in 21-list-collocations.json (c-soudan-ni-noru); all four reviewers cut it as a repeated collocation. 2 of 3 judges kept it.
• ate ga aruhave someone or somewhere in mind (a contact, a place to stay, a source of money)36×Getting on with people. Literally “have a target”.
• hanashi o sorasuchange the subject to avoid something25×Talking & listening. Literally “veer the talk aside”. Two reviewers (meaning, register) cut it. It's a literal collocation: sorasu just means 'divert', and it's the transitive twin of hanashi ga soreru, which is already in 21-list-collocations. 1 of 3 judges kept it.
• koritsu muenisolated, with no one to help24×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “isolated and without aid”.
• torihada ga tatsuget goosebumps (from awe or creepiness)23×Feelings & temper. Literally “bird skin stands up”. All four reviewers: already a kept collocation (c-torihada-ga-tatsu), which already covers the 'moved by a song' use. 2 of 3 judges kept it.
• shinshutsu kibotsuturns up anywhere without warning13×What people are like. Literally “appears like a god, vanishes like a demon”.
• oyobi ja nainobody asked you, you're not wanted here12×Getting on with people. Literally “not summoned”.
• shiraha no ya ga tatsuto be singled out and picked for a task3×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “a white-feathered arrow stands (in your roof)”.
• sake ni nomarerulet drink get the better of you2×What people are like. Literally “be drunk by the drink”.
• he to mo omowanainot care a damn about2×What people are like. Literally “not think of it even as a fart”.
• oni ni kanaboualready strong, now unbeatable with an extra advantage1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “an iron club for an ogre”.
• niten santenkeep changing, flip-flopping1×Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “two turns, three turns”.
• goetsu doushuuenemies forced to work together1×Getting on with people. Literally “Wu and Yue in the same boat”.
• issen o kakusustand apart from, be in a different class1×What people are like. Literally “draw a line”.
• shichiten battouwrithing in agony—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “seven rolls, eight falls”.
• zento tanana rough road ahead, trouble in store—Luck, trouble & outcomes. Literally “the road ahead, many hardships”.