Proverb / Kotowaza
江戸の敵を長崎で討つ
Settling a past grudge in an unexpected place or through an unrelated matter.
To avenge an enemy from Edo in Nagasaki
Quick Answer
Settling a past grudge in an unexpected place or through an unrelated matter.
- Literal Image
- To avenge an enemy from Edo in Nagasaki
- How to Use It
- Used when someone finds success in a new area that makes up for a past defeat elsewhere, or when they settle a score in a surprising context.
Meaning
This expression describes taking revenge for a grievance in a location far removed from where the original incident occurred. It also refers to settling a score through a different or unrelated situation rather than confronting the issue directly. It captures the satisfaction of a roundabout victory.
Literal Image
To avenge an enemy from Edo in Nagasaki
How to Use It
Used when someone finds success in a new area that makes up for a past defeat elsewhere, or when they settle a score in a surprising context.
Tone
Can be used to describe an indirect or non-confrontational way of getting even.
Examples
テニスで負けた相手にマラソンで勝つとは、江戸の敵を長崎で討つようなものだ。
Beating an opponent in a marathon after losing to them in tennis is like taking revenge for Edo in Nagasaki.
仕事では勝てなかったが、趣味の将棋で上司に勝った。江戸の敵を長崎で討った気分だ。
I couldn't beat my boss at work, but I beat him at shogi. It feels like I have avenged my Edo enemy in Nagasaki.
意外な場面で恨みを晴らすのは、まさに江戸の敵を長崎で討つだ。
Settling a grudge in an unexpected situation is exactly what it means to avenge an Edo enemy in Nagasaki.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses geographic nouns and 'enemy', but the figurative application to unrelated activities makes it idiomatic and challenging.
江戸
えど / Edo
Edo (the old name for Tokyo)
敵
かたき / kataki
enemy; rival
長崎
ながさき / Nagasaki
Nagasaki (a city in Kyushu)
討つ
うつ / utsu
to attack; to avenge
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is about revenge or settling scores, so it might carry a slightly negative or vengeful nuance.
Misread Risk
Do not assume this only applies to travel or physical distance; it describes revenge through any unrelated field or activity.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression originates from a rivalry between artisans in the Edo period. Artisans from Osaka created a giant bamboo Buddha statue that became a massive hit with the public, wounding the pride of Edo's craftsmen. However, glasswork from Nagasaki—specifically glass lanterns (gyaman) and glass Dutch ships (vidro)—later arrived and surpassed the popularity of the Osaka bamboo crafts. This allowed the Edo artisans to feel satisfied, as their rivals were humbled by a completely different attraction.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.