Proverb / Kotowaza
洞ケ峠を決め込む
Adopting a wait-and-see attitude to decide which side is more advantageous to join.
To settle in at Horagatoge Pass
Quick Answer
Adopting a wait-and-see attitude to decide which side is more advantageous to join.
- Literal Image
- To settle in at Horagatoge Pass
- Closest Equivalent
- To sit on the fence
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who remains neutral or uncommitted in a dispute, waiting to see who will prevail before taking a side.
Meaning
To observe the developments of a conflict or competition from a distance to determine which side is likely to win. It describes an opportunistic strategy where one waits for the situation to become clear to ensure they join the winning side for their own benefit.
Literal Image
To settle in at Horagatoge Pass
Equivalent Proverbs
To sit on the fence
While 'sitting on the fence' emphasizes indecision, this Japanese expression carries a stronger nuance of opportunistic waiting.
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who remains neutral or uncommitted in a dispute, waiting to see who will prevail before taking a side.
Tone
Can be used critically to point out opportunism or a lack of conviction.
Examples
彼はいつも洞ケ峠を決め込むで、どちらの味方をするか明言しない。
He always waits at Horagatoge, refusing to state clearly whose side he is on.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The expression uses a specific historical geographical name and requires knowledge of a Sengoku period anecdote to fully understand.
洞ケ峠
ほらがとうげ / horagatoge
Horagatoge Pass
決め込む
きめこむ / kimekomu
to assume a certain attitude; to take for granted
Usage Profile
Usage note: This can sound quite critical of someone's character, as it implies they are acting only for their own benefit.
Misread Risk
Do not use this simply to mean someone is lost or undecided; it specifically implies a strategic choice to wait for a winner.
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Origin
The expression originates from a historical event during the Battle of Yamazaki in 1582. As Hashiba Hideyoshi and Akechi Mitsuhide clashed, the warlord 筒井順慶 (Tsutsui Junkei) is said to have stationed his troops at 洞ケ峠 (Horagatoge, near present-day Hirakata City, Osaka) while hesitating to commit his forces to either side, waiting to see which army would prevail.
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Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.