Proverb / Kotowaza
余り物に福がある
Good things can unexpectedly be found in what others have left behind or passed over.
There is good fortune in leftovers.
Quick Answer
Good things can unexpectedly be found in what others have left behind or passed over.
- Literal Image
- There is good fortune in leftovers.
- How to Use It
- Used when someone finds something valuable in a remaining selection, or to offer a positive perspective to someone who is picking last.
Meaning
This proverb suggests that being last or taking what remains isn't necessarily a disadvantage. It implies that unexpected luck or high-quality items can sometimes be found among the leftovers or unsold goods that others overlooked in their haste to choose first.
Literal Image
There is good fortune in leftovers.
How to Use It
Used when someone finds something valuable in a remaining selection, or to offer a positive perspective to someone who is picking last.
Tone
Reassuring and positive.
Examples
最後に残ったくじを引いたら一等だった。余り物に福があるとはこのことだ。
I drew the last remaining lottery ticket and it was first prize. This is exactly what they mean when they say there's fortune in leftovers.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary (amari, mono, fuku) is relatively accessible, but the idiomatic phrasing is specific to this proverb.
余り物
あまりもの / amari mono
leftovers; remains
福
ふく / fuku
good fortune; luck
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
While the proverb is positive, do not use it to justify being lazy or late when prompt action is actually required.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb is born from the shared experience that when people scramble to take the best items first, high-quality or desirable things are sometimes unexpectedly overlooked and left among the remaining pieces.
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.