Proverb / Kotowaza
牛耳を執る
To take the lead or hold actual power within an organization or group.
to hold the ox's ear
Quick Answer
To take the lead or hold actual power within an organization or group.
- Literal Image
- to hold the ox's ear
- How to Use It
- Can be used in contexts such as business industries, political factions, or various organizations to describe someone who has assumed a leadership or dominant role.
Meaning
This expression refers to becoming a central figure who wields authority and takes the initiative in a collective. It describes a state of holding real power and controlling the direction of a group or organization according to one's own will.
Literal Image
to hold the ox's ear
How to Use It
Can be used in contexts such as business industries, political factions, or various organizations to describe someone who has assumed a leadership or dominant role.
Tone
The tone is neutral but implies a position of significant authority and control.
Examples
彼がこの業界の牛耳を執って、もう十年になる。
He has held the lead in this industry for ten years now.
牛耳を執る立場になれば、それだけ大きな責任も伴う。
When you are in a position to take the lead, it comes with a correspondingly large responsibility.
派閥の牛耳を執る大物政治家の一言で、法案の行方が決まった。
The fate of the bill was decided by a single word from a powerful politician who controls the faction.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the idiomatic use of the kanji 執 and the specialized metaphorical compound 'gyuji' (ox's ear).
牛耳
ぎゅうじ / gyuji
leadership, power (literally: ox's ear)
執る
とる / toru
to hold, to conduct, to execute
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure you are referring to actual control or leadership within a formal group rather than just being bossy.
Misread Risk
Do not confuse it with a literal statement about cattle; the term 'gyuji' is a fixed metaphor for leadership.
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Origin
It originates from the Spring and Autumn period in China. When feudal lords formed an alliance, the leader (the head of the alliance) would cut the ear of an ox and sip its blood to seal the pact. This ritual of 'holding the ox's ear' became a symbol for leading an alliance or organization.
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