Proverb / Kotowaza
赤子の手を捻る
Accomplishing something with extreme ease due to an overwhelming difference in strength or ability.
To twist a baby's hand
Quick Answer
Accomplishing something with extreme ease due to an overwhelming difference in strength or ability.
- Literal Image
- To twist a baby's hand
- How to Use It
- Used when describing how easy it is to defeat an opponent or complete a task that requires almost no effort.
Meaning
Describes a task or victory that is incredibly easy to achieve. It is used when there is such a massive gap in power or skill between two sides that the stronger side can succeed without any effort or struggle.
Literal Image
To twist a baby's hand
How to Use It
Used when describing how easy it is to defeat an opponent or complete a task that requires almost no effort.
Tone
implies a sense of overwhelming superiority or confidence regarding the task at hand.
Examples
あの程度の相手なら、赤子の手を捻るようなものだ。
If it's an opponent of that level, it's as easy as twisting a baby's arm.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses vocabulary like 'hand' and 'twist', but the combination as a metaphorical idiom for ease of victory requires familiarity with idiomatic Japanese.
赤子
あかご / akago
infant; baby
手
て / te
hand; arm
捻る
ひねる / hineru
to twist; to wring
Usage Profile
Usage note: Can sound dismissive of an opponent's skill if used directly about a person.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as advice to physically harm anyone; it is strictly a metaphor for ease of success.
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Origin
Because an infant's hand is small and lacks strength, it can be twisted with very little effort. This gave rise to the expression as a metaphor for performing a task easily and without any struggle.
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Source Note
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