Proverb / Kotowaza
馬鹿も休み休み言え
A sharp rebuke used to tell someone that there is a limit to their foolish or irresponsible talk.
If you are going to talk nonsense, at least take some breaks.
Quick Answer
A sharp rebuke used to tell someone that there is a limit to their foolish or irresponsible talk.
- Literal Image
- If you are going to talk nonsense, at least take some breaks.
- How to Use It
- Use this when someone proposes an impossible plan or makes a claim so ridiculous that you feel compelled to tell them to stop talking.
Meaning
This expression is used to criticize someone who continues to say absurd or irresponsible things. It suggests that the speaker should stop talking because their nonsense has gone too far and is becoming exasperating.
Literal Image
If you are going to talk nonsense, at least take some breaks.
How to Use It
Use this when someone proposes an impossible plan or makes a claim so ridiculous that you feel compelled to tell them to stop talking.
Tone
This is a blunt and highly critical expression used to show exasperation or disbelief.
Examples
そんな無謀な計画を本気で進めるつもりか。馬鹿も休み休み言え。
Are you really planning to go through with such a reckless plan? Stop talking such nonsense.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the vocabulary is relatively simple, the use of the repetitive 'yasumiyasumi' and the imperative 'ie' makes it a specific idiomatic phrase.
馬鹿
ばか / baka
fool / nonsense
休み休み
やすみやすみ / yasumiyasumi
with breaks / intermittently
言え
いえ / ie
say / speak (imperative)
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a very strong expression and should not be used with superiors or in formal settings.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to literally tell someone to take a rest if they look tired; it is a sarcastic way to tell them to stop being foolish.
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Origin
The expression comes from the sarcastic idea that saying foolish things must be exhausting, so the person should 'rest' (meaning stop) once in a while. It reflects the listener's exasperation or criticism toward someone who persists in speaking absurdly.
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Source Note
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