Proverb / Kotowaza
朝令暮改
A situation where orders or policies are changed so that they become unreliable.
Giving orders in the morning and changing them by evening.
Quick Answer
A situation where orders or policies are changed so that they become unreliable.
- Literal Image
- Giving orders in the morning and changing them by evening.
- Closest Equivalent
- The law is not the same at morning and at night.
- How to Use It
- Used to criticize organizations, superiors, or governments that lack a consistent plan or vision and shift direction.
Meaning
The term describes a lack of consistency in leadership or governance. It refers to a state where instructions or plans are issued in the morning only to be revoked or altered by evening, causing confusion and a loss of trust among those expected to follow them.
Literal Image
Giving orders in the morning and changing them by evening.
Equivalent Proverbs
The law is not the same at morning and at night.
Focuses on the inconsistency of rules rather than general orders.
How to Use It
Used to criticize organizations, superiors, or governments that lack a consistent plan or vision and shift direction.
Tone
Formal and highly critical; it carries a negative nuance regarding the reliability of the person or entity in charge.
Examples
上司の指示が朝令暮改で、部下たちは振り回されている。
The boss's instructions keep changing from morning to evening, leaving the subordinates confused.
朝令暮改の政策に国民の信頼は失われる一方だ。
Public trust continues to erode due to the government's inconsistent policies.
朝令暮改では社員がついてこない。方針は一貫させるべきだ。
Employees won't follow a leader who constantly changes direction; policies must be consistent.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a formal four-character compound (yojijukugo) using formal kanji typical of professional or literary contexts.
朝
あさ / asa
morning
令
れい / rei
order / command
暮
くれ / kure
evening / nightfall
改
かい / kai
revision / change
Usage Profile
Usage note: It is a strong criticism; avoid using it toward a superior unless you are prepared for the confrontational nuance.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to mean positive flexibility or 'pivoting' in a startup sense; it specifically implies a negative lack of principle or foresight.
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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.