Proverb / Kotowaza
頭でっかち尻すぼみ
Starting an undertaking with great energy only to have it lose momentum and fail, or possessing knowledge without the ability to act.
A large head and a shrinking tail
Quick Answer
Starting an undertaking with great energy only to have it lose momentum and fail, or possessing knowledge without the ability to act.
- Literal Image
- A large head and a shrinking tail
- How to Use It
- Used to describe projects that start loudly but fizzle out, or to point out an imbalance between someone's theories and their actual results.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where something begins on a grand and vigorous scale but gradually loses steam, ultimately failing to achieve a successful conclusion. It is also used to criticize individuals who have extensive theoretical knowledge or ideas but lack the practical execution power to see them through.
Literal Image
A large head and a shrinking tail
How to Use It
Used to describe projects that start loudly but fizzle out, or to point out an imbalance between someone's theories and their actual results.
Tone
This is a critical expression used to point out a lack of follow-through or practical ability.
Examples
新しいプロジェクトも最初は大々的に打ち上げたが、気がついたら誰も続けていない。「頭でっかち尻すぼみ」だ
The new project was launched with great fanfare at first, but before we knew it, no one was continuing it. It's a case of a big start and a fizzling finish.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the individual words like 'head' and 'butt' are basic, the compound 'dekkachi' and the specific verb 'subomi' make this a more advanced idiomatic expression.
頭
あたま / atama
head
でっかち
でっかち / dekkachi
oversized / large
尻
しり / shiri
butt / tail / end
すぼみ
すぼみ / subomi
narrowing / shrinking
Usage Profile
Usage note: Since it is critical of someone's lack of action or a project's failure, use it carefully to avoid causing offense.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe someone's physical appearance; it is a metaphorical criticism of effort or lack of execution.
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Origin
Derived from a shape that has a large head but tapers off into a thin tail. This physical imbalance is used as a metaphor for an undertaking that has an impressive start but lacks the substance or energy to maintain that momentum until the end.
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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.