Proverb / Kotowaza
断じて行えば鬼神も之を避く
If you act with firm resolve, no obstacle—not even supernatural forces—can stand in your way.
If you act with determination, even fierce gods and spirits will step aside
Quick Answer
If you act with firm resolve, no obstacle—not even supernatural forces—can stand in your way.
- Literal Image
- If you act with determination, even fierce gods and spirits will step aside
- Closest Equivalent
- Fortune favors the bold.
- How to Use It
- Used to emphasize the importance of having the courage to act decisively, especially when facing opposition or daunting challenges.
Meaning
This expression emphasizes the power of decisive action and unwavering willpower. It suggests that when a person is truly determined and takes bold steps toward a goal, they can overcome any difficulty or opposition. The image of even 'gods and demons' getting out of the way illustrates that strong resolve can clear a path through seemingly impossible circumstances.
Literal Image
If you act with determination, even fierce gods and spirits will step aside
Equivalent Proverbs
Fortune favors the bold.
Both emphasize the success that comes from courageous action.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Both suggest that determination creates a path to success.
How to Use It
Used to emphasize the importance of having the courage to act decisively, especially when facing opposition or daunting challenges.
Tone
Formal and literary. It conveys a strong sense of resolve and encouragement for bold leadership or personal conviction.
Examples
多くの反対意見があったが、社長は改革を推し進めた。断じて行えば鬼神も之を避く、彼の決断力は会社を変えた。
Despite many opposing opinions, the president pushed forward with the reforms. Acting with the resolve that 'even gods step aside for the determined,' his decisiveness transformed the company.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The phrase uses literary grammar (the conditional 'ba' form combined with the object marker 'wo' and verb 'saku') and formal kanji compounds.
断じて
だんじて / danjite
decidedly, with resolve
行えば
おこなえば / okonaeba
if one carries out/acts
鬼神
きじん / kijin
fierce gods, spirits, demons
避く
さく / saku
to avoid, to step aside
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a very strong, literary expression; in casual conversation, it might sound overly dramatic.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse 'saku' (avoid/step aside) with 'saku' (to bloom) or other homophones; here it means even powerful spirits will get out of your way.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression originates from the Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian), specifically the 'Huaiyin Hou Liezhuan' (Biography of the Marquis of Huaiyin). It is attributed to the general Han Xin, teaching that with strong will and action, any difficulty can be overcome.
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