Proverbs and Sayings

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)

3 day monk. — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… Someone who gives up easily or is adverse to work. (This is a Japanese proverb, saying, or idiom)

After the rain, earth hardens — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… Adversity builds character./After a storm, things will stand on more solid ground than they did before. (This is a Japanese proverb, saying, or idiom)

Fish to a cat. — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… A situation where one can not let their guard down (because the cat can’t resist stealing your fish). (This is a Japanese proverb, saying, or idiom)

Spilt water will not return to the tray. — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… It’s no use crying over spilt milk. / A separated couple can never go back to as it was. Original meaning comes from an old Chinese story of a couple, but the proverb is often used in [...]