Proverb / Kotowaza
後足で砂をかける
Betraying a benefactor and causing them further trouble or dishonor upon one's departure.
Kicking up sand with the hind legs while leaving.
Quick Answer
Betraying a benefactor and causing them further trouble or dishonor upon one's departure.
- Literal Image
- Kicking up sand with the hind legs while leaving.
- How to Use It
- Used to criticize someone who leaves a job, relationship, or organization in a way that harms those who previously helped them.
Meaning
This expression describes a situation where someone who has been supported or helped by another not only turns their back on that person but also leaves behind a mess, causes inconvenience, or damages the benefactor's reputation as they exit. It captures the ingratitude of making things worse for the very person to whom one was indebted.
Literal Image
Kicking up sand with the hind legs while leaving.
How to Use It
Used to criticize someone who leaves a job, relationship, or organization in a way that harms those who previously helped them.
Tone
Critical and disapproving in register.
Examples
長年勤めた会社を辞める際、顧客リストを勝手に持ち出すなんて、まさに後足で砂を掛けるような行為だ。
Taking a customer list without permission when leaving a company you've worked at for years is truly an act like kicking up sand with your hind legs as you go.
長年面倒を見てもらった会社を辞める際に顧客まで引き抜くとは、後足で砂をかけるようなものだ。
Poaching clients when leaving a company that looked after you for many years is just like kicking up sand with your hind legs.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses vocabulary, but the metaphorical usage and idiomatic meaning regarding 'atoashi' (hind legs) make it an intermediate-level expression.
後足
あとあし / atoashi
hind legs
砂
すな / suna
sand
かける
かける / kakeru
to kick up / splash
恩義
おんぎ / ongi
debt of gratitude
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a strong criticism. Only use it when someone has actively caused harm or acted selfishly upon leaving.
Misread Risk
Do not use this for a simple or neutral departure. It specifically requires that the person leaving caused trouble or acted ungratefully toward someone they owed a debt to.
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Origin
This expression comes from the physical behavior of animals like dogs or horses. When they run away, they kick the ground with their hind legs, splashing sand and dirt onto their surroundings and leaving a mess behind. This image shifted metaphorically to describe a person who leaves a situation or person ungratefully, causing trouble or 'muddying' the reputation of those who helped them.
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