Proverb / Kotowaza
足元を見る
To take advantage of another person's weakness or difficult situation.
to look at one's feet
Quick Answer
To take advantage of another person's weakness or difficult situation.
- Literal Image
- to look at one's feet
- How to Use It
- Used in business negotiations, sales, or interpersonal conflicts when one side attempts to profit from the other's misfortune or lack of options.
Meaning
This expression describes exploiting someone's vulnerability or desperation to gain an advantage in negotiations or business. It refers to noticing when someone is in a weak position and using that knowledge to impose unfavorable conditions or higher prices.
Literal Image
to look at one's feet
How to Use It
Used in business negotiations, sales, or interpersonal conflicts when one side attempts to profit from the other's misfortune or lack of options.
Tone
Carries a negative or cautionary nuance regarding unfair treatment or exploitation.
Examples
こちらの困っている事情を知って、足元を見るような価格を提示された。
Knowing my difficult situation, they offered a price that took advantage of my weakness.
交渉では、相手に足元を見られないように強気の姿勢が必要だ。
In negotiations, a firm attitude is necessary so the other party doesn't take advantage of you.
店員に足元を見られて、高い商品を売りつけられそうになった。
The clerk saw my vulnerability and almost pressed me into buying an expensive product.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary is basic (foot, see), but the idiomatic meaning in business contexts makes it an N2-level expression.
足元
あしもと / ashimoto
at one's feet; step
見る
みる / miru
to see; to look at
Usage Profile
Usage note: This can be used to describe unethical or aggressive behavior by others; be careful not to sound like you are boasting about exploiting someone.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to literally mean looking at someone's shoes or the ground; it always refers to identifying a weakness or vulnerability.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
The phrase originates from palanquin bearers (kago-kaki) and horsemen (mago) who worked along old travel roads. They would observe the feet of travelers to check for signs of exhaustion. If the travelers appeared tired and desperate, the bearers would take advantage of the situation by charging an exorbitant price.
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.