Pulling water to my own rice paddy — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… Doing/speaking about things in a way to benefit yourself. Source: unknown, though both Gaden and Insui appear in the Chinese classics. It is presumed to be coined in Japan. (This is a Japanese proverb, saying, or idiom)
Melon field, under a plum tree — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… Stepping into a melon field, standing under a plum tree (, such behavior causes misunderstanding that you want to steal those fruits); implying that you must avoid actions which could be taken on a bad faith. Source: a shortened [...]
A greeting is the local deity who turns up providentially. — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… Arbitration in a quarrel is a godsend. Some background, Here, ?? aisatsu (greeting) means arbitration. (This is a Japanese proverb, saying, or idiom)
Unless an idiot dies, he won’t be cured. — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… Only death will cure a fool. / You can’t cure stupidity. (This is a Japanese proverb, saying, or idiom)
To sell oil — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… to spend time chitchatting or to waste time in the middle of a task Comes from Edo period hair oil salesmen who took their time chitchatting with the customers when selling. (This is a Japanese proverb, saying, or idiom)
