Proverb / Kotowaza
危ない橋を渡る
Taking a significant risk or using dangerous methods to achieve a goal.
To cross a dangerous bridge
Quick Answer
Taking a significant risk or using dangerous methods to achieve a goal.
- Literal Image
- To cross a dangerous bridge
- How to Use It
- Used when someone intentionally takes a risk that could lead to failure or trouble, specifically for the sake of achieving a certain result.
Meaning
This expression describes situations where someone chooses a high-risk path or a precarious strategy in order to reach an objective. It implies that the person is aware of the danger but proceeds anyway because the goal is on the other side. It is used to describe risky business moves or social gambles where the stakes are high.
Literal Image
To cross a dangerous bridge
How to Use It
Used when someone intentionally takes a risk that could lead to failure or trouble, specifically for the sake of achieving a certain result.
Tone
The tone is cautionary or descriptive of high-risk behavior.
Examples
今回のプロジェクトを成功させるために、あえて競合他社の手法を模倣するという危ない橋を渡る決断をした。
In order to make this project a success, we made the decision to cross a dangerous bridge by intentionally imitating a competitor's methods.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses vocabulary such as 'dangerous' and 'bridge', but the figurative application to business and strategy makes it an intermediate-level idiom.
危ない
あぶない / abunai
dangerous
橋
はし / hashi
bridge
渡る
わたる / wataru
to cross
Usage Profile
Usage note: Be careful when using this to describe your own actions in professional settings, as it highlights that you are aware of the risk.
Misread Risk
Do not use this for literal physical danger; it specifically refers to metaphorical risks taken to achieve a goal.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The expression comes from the situation where one must cross a bridge that is broken or unstable in order to reach the destination (the goal) on the opposite bank. It describes taking an action while being fully aware of the danger involved.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.