Proverb / Kotowaza
蟻の這い出る隙もない
Extremely strict security or surveillance where not a single gap remains.
Not even a gap for an ant to crawl out
Quick Answer
Extremely strict security or surveillance where not a single gap remains.
- Literal Image
- Not even a gap for an ant to crawl out
- How to Use It
- Used when describing a heavy police presence, tight security cordons, or very strict monitoring of a situation.
Meaning
Describes a state of perfect security or monitoring where not even the smallest thing can enter or exit unnoticed. It implies that every possible vulnerability has been addressed and closed.
Literal Image
Not even a gap for an ant to crawl out
How to Use It
Used when describing a heavy police presence, tight security cordons, or very strict monitoring of a situation.
Tone
descriptive or cautionary, emphasizing the completeness of the security.
Examples
警備員が多数配置され、蟻の這い出る隙もない警戒態勢が敷かれた。
With many security guards stationed, a high-alert posture was established so tight that not even an ant could crawl through.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses descriptive vocabulary like 'haideru' (crawl out) and 'suki' (gap). While the grammar is straightforward, the metaphorical application to security makes it a mid-to-high level idiom.
蟻
あり / ari
ant
這い出る
はいでる / haideru
to crawl out
隙
すき / suki
gap; opening; space
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is specifically about security and gaps, not general strictness in personality or rules unless they involve surveillance.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe someone who is busy (no time); it specifically refers to physical or metaphorical 'gaps' in security or a perimeter.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression originates from the image of a perimeter or defense being so flawlessly tight that even a creature as tiny as an ant would find no way to pass through it.
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.