Proverb / Kotowaza
駑馬に鞭打つ
Forcing someone with limited ability to work harder, or humbly expressing one's resolve to do their best despite a lack of talent.
whipping a slow horse
Quick Answer
Forcing someone with limited ability to work harder, or humbly expressing one's resolve to do their best despite a lack of talent.
- Literal Image
- whipping a slow horse
- How to Use It
- Used in formal or professional settings to show humility when accepting a task or stating one's determination to succeed.
Meaning
This expression literally describes whipping a slow or dull horse to make it run. It is primarily used as a humble way to refer to oneself, conveying that although one may lack natural talent or ability, they intend to exert every effort to fulfill their duties. It can also describe the act of pushing someone else to perform beyond their current capacity.
Literal Image
whipping a slow horse
How to Use It
Used in formal or professional settings to show humility when accepting a task or stating one's determination to succeed.
Tone
Humble and formal; can be used when speaking about one's own efforts.
Examples
微力ながら駑馬に鞭打つ思いで、精一杯務めさせていただきます。
Despite my limited strength, I will serve to the best of my ability with the mindset of whipping a slow horse.
駑馬に鞭打つようなものですが、ご期待に添えるよう努力いたします。
It is like whipping a slow horse, but I will make every effort to meet your expectations.
才能はありませんが、駑馬に鞭打って日々精進してまいります。
I have no talent, but I will whip my slow horse and continue to devote myself to improvement every day.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the rare kanji 駑 and is a specific humble expression found in advanced business or literary contexts.
駑馬
どば / doba
slow horse; hack; horse with no talent
鞭打つ
むちうつ / muchiutsu
to whip; to lash; to urge on
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is primarily a humble expression for oneself; use caution when applying it to others as it implies they lack ability.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe someone who is already highly skilled, as it emphasizes a lack of natural talent.
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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.