Proverb / Kotowaza
得手に帆を揚げる
To enthusiastically seize a perfect opportunity to use one's special skills or talents.
To hoist a sail when one's specialty (opportunity) arrives
Quick Answer
To enthusiastically seize a perfect opportunity to use one's special skills or talents.
- Literal Image
- To hoist a sail when one's specialty (opportunity) arrives
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who finds a situation perfectly suited to their abilities and dives into it with great energy and enthusiasm.
Meaning
This expression describes the act of taking full advantage of favorable circumstances that perfectly match one's expertise. When a situation arises that allows someone to showcase their strengths, they act with vigor and confidence, making the most of the momentum.
Literal Image
To hoist a sail when one's specialty (opportunity) arrives
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who finds a situation perfectly suited to their abilities and dives into it with great energy and enthusiasm.
Tone
Positive and proactive, reflecting confidence and readiness to act.
Examples
得手に帆を揚げるとばかりに、得意の英語を活かせるプロジェクトに飛びついた。
As if seizing the perfect chance to use his skills, he jumped into a project where he could utilize his expertise in English.
得手に帆を揚げて、彼は自分の専門分野で大活躍している。
Taking advantage of the favorable situation, he is performing brilliantly in his field of expertise.
チャンスが来たら得手に帆を揚げるつもりで、日頃から腕を磨いておこう。
I will sharpen my skills every day so that when the right chance comes, I can seize it with enthusiasm.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The kanji and verbs are relatively standard, but the noun 'ete' (forte) and the seafaring metaphor for seizing opportunities make it idiomatic.
得手
えて / ete
specialty, forte, strong point
帆
ほ / ho
sail
揚げる
あげる / ageru
to hoist, to raise
Usage Profile
Usage note: While positive, it can sometimes imply 'getting carried away' depending on the context.
Misread Risk
It does not just mean 'to start a journey'; it specifically refers to acting when you have a distinct advantage or skill suited to the moment.
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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.