Proverb / Kotowaza
危うきこと累卵のごとし
To be in an extremely unstable and dangerous situation that could collapse at any moment.
Being as precarious as piled-up eggs
Quick Answer
To be in an extremely unstable and dangerous situation that could collapse at any moment.
- Literal Image
- Being as precarious as piled-up eggs
- How to Use It
- Used to describe critical situations in business, safety, or international relations where a total collapse is imminent.
Meaning
This expression describes a state of extreme peril where things are so unstable that the slightest disturbance could lead to total failure. It compares the situation to a stack of eggs, which are fragile and prone to breaking if the pile shifts or is touched.
Literal Image
Being as precarious as piled-up eggs
How to Use It
Used to describe critical situations in business, safety, or international relations where a total collapse is imminent.
Tone
Formal and literary. It conveys a serious sense of urgency and fragility.
Examples
無理な経営を続けた結果、会社は危うきこと累卵のごとしだ。
As a result of continuing reckless management, the company is now as precarious as a stack of eggs.
その古い橋の安全性は、まさに危うきこと累卵のごとしである。
The safety of that old bridge is truly as precarious as piled-up eggs.
和平交渉が決裂し、情勢は危うきこと累卵のごとしとなった。
With the peace negotiations breaking down, the situation has become extremely precarious.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the classical 'gotoshi' ending and literary vocabulary like 'ruiran', making it a high-level expression.
危うき
あやうき / ayauki
dangerous; precarious
累卵
るいらん / ruiran
piled-up eggs
如し
ごとし / gotoshi
like; as if
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a formal expression; using it in very casual conversation may sound overly dramatic or stiff.
Misread Risk
Do not use this for minor problems; it is reserved for situations where total collapse or destruction is a real possibility.
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Origin
This expression originates from classical Chinese texts such as the "Han Feizi." The term "ruiran" (累卵) refers to eggs piled on top of each other, symbolizing extreme instability where even a slight impact can cause them to break.
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Source Note
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