Proverb / Kotowaza
笛吹けども踊らず
A situation where efforts to lead or motivate others receive no response.
The flute is played, yet no one dances.
Quick Answer
A situation where efforts to lead or motivate others receive no response.
- Literal Image
- The flute is played, yet no one dances.
- How to Use It
- Used when a leader's call to action is ignored or when a well-prepared plan fails to attract any participation.
Meaning
This expression describes taking the lead or making preparations to get people to act, only to have them remain indifferent. It highlights the futility of inciting or organizing others when they show no willingness to participate or cooperate despite the effort put into preparation.
Literal Image
The flute is played, yet no one dances.
How to Use It
Used when a leader's call to action is ignored or when a well-prepared plan fails to attract any participation.
Tone
Carries a tone of frustration or disappointment regarding lack of cooperation or response.
Examples
どんなにイベントを企画しても参加者が集まらない。笛吹けども踊らずだ。
No matter how many events we plan, no participants show up. It is a case of playing the flute but no one dancing.
上司がいくら号令をかけても部下が動かない。笛吹けども踊らずの状態だ。
No matter how many orders the boss gives, the subordinates don't move. It is a state of playing the flute but no one dancing.
政府がキャンペーンを打っても国民の反応が薄い。笛吹けども踊らずである。
Even when the government launches a campaign, the public response is thin. It is a case of playing the flute but no one dancing.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses classical grammar such as the conjunctive 'kedomo' (here as 'fukedo mo') and the negative suffix 'zu'.
笛
ふえ / fue
flute
吹く
ふく / fuku
to blow; to play (a wind instrument)
踊る
おどる / odoru
to dance
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this literally as a comment on music or dancing; it is an idiom for failed leadership or ineffective organization.
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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.