Proverb / Kotowaza
蛇ににらまれた蛙
To be paralyzed with fear when facing a powerful opponent or a terrifying situation.
A frog stared at by a snake
Quick Answer
To be paralyzed with fear when facing a powerful opponent or a terrifying situation.
- Literal Image
- A frog stared at by a snake
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who has become stiff, speechless, or incapacitated due to extreme nervousness, fear, or being overwhelmed by a superior.
Meaning
This expression describes a state where someone is so overwhelmed by a powerful enemy or a daunting task that they become completely unable to move or act. It draws on the biological interaction where a frog freezes when confronted by a predator like a snake, unable to escape its gaze.
Literal Image
A frog stared at by a snake
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who has become stiff, speechless, or incapacitated due to extreme nervousness, fear, or being overwhelmed by a superior.
Tone
The expression is descriptive and can be used to characterize a helpless or paralyzed state.
Examples
大勢の観客を前に、蛇ににらまれた蛙のように固まってしまった。
In front of a large audience, I froze up like a frog stared at by a snake.
上司の厳しい叱責に、蛇ににらまれた蛙のように何も言い返せなかった。
Under my boss's harsh scolding, I was like a frog stared at by a snake and couldn't say a word in response.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses vocabulary (snake, frog), but requires understanding of the passive verb form 'niramareta' and the idiomatic usage.
蛇
へび / hebi
snake
にらむ
にらむ / niramu
to glare at; to stare at
蛙
かえる / kaeru
frog
固まる
かたまる / katamaru
to freeze; to harden; to become stiff
Usage Profile
Usage note: This expression highlights a person's weakness or lack of agency in a situation.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe physical coldness; it specifically refers to being paralyzed by psychological pressure or fear.
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Origin
The expression is derived from the predator-prey relationship between snakes and frogs. Since snakes prey on frogs, a frog becomes frozen with fear when it is glared at by a snake, making it unable to escape. This natural imagery is used to describe humans who find themselves physically or mentally paralyzed when confronted by something terrifying or overwhelming.
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