Proverb / Kotowaza
胡座をかく
To rest on one's laurels or status and stop making an effort.
to sit cross-legged
Quick Answer
To rest on one's laurels or status and stop making an effort.
- Literal Image
- to sit cross-legged
- How to Use It
- Used when describing a person or organization that has stopped striving for improvement because they are satisfied with their current success.
Meaning
Originally refers to the physical act of sitting cross-legged. Figuratively, it describes being complacent with one's current position, achievements, or environment, which leads to a lack of further effort or progress.
Literal Image
to sit cross-legged
How to Use It
Used when describing a person or organization that has stopped striving for improvement because they are satisfied with their current success.
Tone
Used in a cautionary or critical manner.
Examples
和室では胡座をかいてリラックスする。
In a Japanese-style room, I sit cross-legged and relax.
Literal usage
過去の成功に胡座をかいていると、すぐに追い抜かれるぞ。
If you rest on your past successes, you will be overtaken in no time.
Figurative usage
独占企業の地位に胡座をかき、サービスの改善を怠っている。
Resting on its position as a monopoly, the company is neglecting to improve its services.
Figurative usage
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary 'agura' (cross-legged) is specific, and the figurative shift to complacency is a key idiomatic usage.
胡座
あぐら / agura
sitting cross-legged
かく
かく / kaku
to sit (in a specific posture)
Usage Profile
Usage note: The literal meaning is neutral, but the figurative meaning is negative.
Misread Risk
Do not assume it always means complacency; in casual settings, it is simply a physical description of sitting.
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Origin
The character 'Hu' (胡) refers to ethnic groups located to the west of ancient China. The specific style of sitting cross-legged associated with these groups was introduced to Japan, where the term eventually took on its current meaning.
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