Proverb / Kotowaza
髭の塵を払う
To curry favor with or flatter a superior.
to brush the dust off someone's beard
Quick Answer
To curry favor with or flatter a superior.
- Literal Image
- to brush the dust off someone's beard
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who is acting like a 'sycophant' or 'brown-noser' toward a boss, teacher, or person of high status.
Meaning
This expression describes the act of fawning over someone in a higher position to gain their favor. It implies an insincere or excessively subservient attitude used to win personal advantage or advancement.
Literal Image
to brush the dust off someone's beard
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who is acting like a 'sycophant' or 'brown-noser' toward a boss, teacher, or person of high status.
Tone
This expression carries a critical and negative nuance toward the person performing the action.
Examples
出世のために上司の髭の塵を払うような振る舞いは、見ていて気持ちのいいものではない。
Watching someone brush the dust off a boss's beard just to get promoted is not a pleasant sight.
あの部下はいつも社長の髭の塵を払い、機嫌を取ることに余念がない。
That subordinate is always brushing the dust off the president's beard, focused entirely on keeping him in a good mood.
実力で認められたいなら、髭の塵を払うような媚びへつらいはやめるべきだ。
If you want to be recognized for your actual skills, you should stop fawning over people by brushing the dust off their beards.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The kanji for beard (髭) and dust (塵) are advanced, though the grammar is a simple verb phrase.
髭
ひげ / hige
beard; mustache
塵
ちり / chiri
dust; dirt
払う
はらう / harau
to brush off; to wipe away
Usage Profile
Usage note: Calling someone's behavior this is an insult and implies they are untrustworthy or lacking integrity.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe an actual act of kindness; it specifically refers to insincere flattery for personal gain.
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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.