Proverb / Kotowaza
始めちょろちょろ中ぱっぱ赤子泣くとも蓋取るな
A lesson on the importance of following a process carefully from start to finish without losing focus.
Small fire at first, big fire in the middle, and do not remove the lid even if the baby cries.
Quick Answer
A lesson on the importance of following a process carefully from start to finish without losing focus.
- Literal Image
- Small fire at first, big fire in the middle, and do not remove the lid even if the baby cries.
- How to Use It
- Used to emphasize the necessity of patience and sticking to a proven method when working on a project or learning a new skill.
Meaning
This proverb originates from the traditional method of cooking rice over a stove. It instructs to begin with a low flame, increase to a high flame, and never lift the lid to peek, as doing so would ruin the rice. Metaphorically, it teaches that one should start tasks with careful attention, work through the middle stages with vigor, and remain committed to the end without being distracted.
Literal Image
Small fire at first, big fire in the middle, and do not remove the lid even if the baby cries.
How to Use It
Used to emphasize the necessity of patience and sticking to a proven method when working on a project or learning a new skill.
Tone
Instructive and advisory.
Examples
始めちょろちょろ中ぱっぱ赤子泣くとも蓋取るなというように、仕事も最初から焦らず、途中からしっかり取り組むことが大切だ。
Just as the saying goes about starting with a small fire and not opening the lid, it is important not to rush your work at the start and to commit yourself fully once things are underway.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The proverb is quite long and contains multiple onomatopoeic expressions alongside classical forms like 'nakutomo' and 'toruna'.
始め
はじめ / hajime
beginning
中
なか / naka
middle
赤子
あかご / akago
baby
泣く
なく / naku
to cry
蓋
ふた / futa
lid
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it encourages diligence, it focuses on following a specific established process rather than improvisation.
Misread Risk
It should not be used as a literal parenting advice about ignoring a crying child; the child is a metaphor for a compelling but counterproductive distraction during a task.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
This proverb originated during the era when rice was cooked in a traditional wood-burning stove (kamado). It served as an essential rule for rice cooking: begin with a low flame ('chorochoro'), transition to a strong flame ('pappa'), and do not lift the lid even if a baby cries, to ensure the rice is steamed perfectly.
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.